With his most diverse work to date, Mr. Planet X returns again with his latest album,
Mythology, which again, bridges the gap between both keyboard and guitar aficionados.
Again, he brings his arsenal of guitarists with him, Zakk Wylde, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, John Sykes, Allan Holdsworth, as well as bassists Tony Franklin and Marco Mendoza, drummer Simon Phillips, and violinist Jerry Goodman among others to create another record that is comprised of a collaborative effort.
Instead of writing complete neo-classical works, Sherinian writes "rock songs" and fronts a "rock band" (with different members for each song, of course) playing his keys like a singer would sing out a song or how a guitarist would shed the six strings. His music changes throughout the disc, instead of going completely solo; he tends to work with the musicians involved, playing to their style's, which most notably with "
El Flamenco Suave" with Stevens, and as the title suggests, it's no surprise considering Steven's work in the Flamenco field; the jazzy "
One Way or the Other," where Jerry Goodman helps bring an element of another violinist, Jean Loc Pony (or maybe even the band Dixie Dreggs) to the table; and "
The River Song," which could easily be a
Black Label Society track, where Wylde even sings, besides providing his thick grinding ace attack to this one (among other tracks on the record).
There are the complete Dream Theater/prog metal-rock related tracks such as "
A View from the Sky," "
Alpha Burst," and the extended piece "
Day of the Dead" (with the complimentary guitar splendor from Wylde and Holdsworth); he even adds R&B/Blues elements with "
Goin' to Church," with it's "
Lean on Me" meets "
Little Wing" vibe, being able to write instrumental works with their catchy hooks and choruses, with no need for lyrics to get in the way of the musical mantra brought forth.
Again the keyboard wizard has created another work where diversity is the key, with every cut standing out on it's own; Sherinian and friends tend to "rock out" on this one, just like on his past solo work, leaving the fusion/experimental work for Planet X to create even more ear candy at a different level. Who knows what the next record will bring?
Written by
Hashman Sunday, March 6, 2005
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Rating: 7.5/10
All of Derek's music is awesome,solo or Planet X, he always delivers the goods,wish he wou... · Read more · |
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