Verdict: Out there!
More info: www.myspace.com/ericxodik
Eric hails for Oakland California, when he's on the same planet as the rest of us. The CD was recorded during July to November 2005. Eric describes it as intense, energetic and trippy music. I'll stick to describing it as psychedelic guitar instrumental rock. You can check out his website for yourself to get the full spaced out bio.
Album opening track, "Afterburn" drifts in on a sea of percussion before Eric lets rip. Imagine a manic axe guy with a fetish for special effects letting loose on an improvised solo whilst some guitar riffs go on in the background with a nominal tune. By the time the second track, Blue Cobra, arrives it is clear any attempt at songwriting is out the window as the extended soloing continues. "Fractal Resonance", I'll have to admit does have a certain 'spacey charm' and given a darkened room it might be suitable for a retro listening experience where I could 'get in the groove'. Of course my experience would be limited by the lack of dubious chemicals in my bloodstream.
When you get to fourth track, Hanger 19, it dawns on you that the rest of the album is going to be filled with the same style of repetitive guitar 'noodlings' as the first three of tracks and this is the case. Taken in isolation the tracks rate as interesting (in a warped sort of a way), rather than enjoyable. A whole album's worth is just too much for me as the novelty value wears off after a while. This might work as the soundtrack to a movie or as meditation music. In the ten years of reviewing albums at Mood Swings I think this must rate as the most inaccessible yet.
If guitar playing that is a blend of Ritchie Blackmore at his most manic mixed with Neil Young at his most experimental played over a drum machine for 77 mins is your thing then go for it! Just don't blame me if you lose your sanity.
