The ex Megadeth lead guitarist
returns with his first solo album since quitting the 'Deth
a few years back. Everyone knows' Marty's caliber thanks to
his work on the multi-million selling Megadeth releases but
his solo work is less well known. Music For Speeding is sure
to please fans of his lead work in Megadeth but it also offers
a lot more. The 13 tracks on offer contain a multitude of
rock guitar styles proving that Friedman is a very accomplished
and musical artist and if you are a fan of guitar mastery
then you will get a lot out of Music For Speeding.
Opener Gimme A Dose
gives a very good indication of what to expect on the majority
of the album, with its big riffs tasty lead work and dynamic
rhythm section. This is quite a step beyond what appeared
on Marty's debut solo album Dragon Kiss, gone is the million
miles an hour everywhere lead approach to be replaced by what
can only be described as songs with no vocals.
Fuel Injection Stingray
is firmly in the Satriani mold with its strong riff and complementary
lead motif. Again the rhythm section show their caliber.
Ripped is
exactly what the title suggest, superb intense with speedy
licks but enhanced by some industrial effects and a moody
sound effect middle section. 1:45 in we get in to what can
only be described as Megadeth intensity before launching into
a quasi eastern slightly Vai sounding brief section. Before
more FX's come in leading way to some of Marty's trademark
'exotic' lead work.
Its The Unreal Thing
comes across with more than a nod to Astro Creep era White
Zombie with super fuzzed out guitars and a monster groove
before setting into quasi funk areas. An original blend but
it works, before smacking you face in once again with its
huge riff.
Cheergirl Rampage
is just plain nuts! So much so I will use Marty's own words
to sum it up, 'This tune has so many facets and unique elements
that it is literally an amusement park for the ears. I was
aiming for that unique happy noise you hear when you walk
by a pachinko/slot parlor in Japan and the door opens and
you hear this magical noisy pumping music coming out. It’s
like there is something really exciting going on behind those
doors, and the music draws you in. That said, I’ve only
played pachinko once or twice. It’s hard. “Cheer
Girl” has techno, bubblegum, and heavy metal elements
along with my strange way of playing guitar all co-existing
in a hard and pounding arrangement". I will add that
at 2:08 we have an ascending guitar line that I could have
swore was going to lead into the verse riff of Guns N Roses'
You Could Be Mine!
Lust For Life is
next and to these ears its the highlight. With it roots firmly
in ballad mode the melody is everything here. Very delicate
to begin with over lone piano before the electric guitar kicks
in along with bass and drums. Its all pretty straightforward
but listen to the phrasing - beautiful. Not too dissimilar
to Uli Jon Roth's best moments. Marty makes great use of dynamics
in respect to speed on this track. Words quite simply do not
do this anthemic composition justice and the price of album
is justified here alone!
Lovesorrow sees the
tempo relaxed again for this orchestral backed track. Again
great dynamics are shown in the lead guitar with Marty making
good use of various tones to really drive the message home.
Again quite Uli Roth with a little Brian May thrown in for
good measure. Another highlight.
Nastymachine is based
on a background of loops and samples, quite techno in this
respect but the guitar adds the metal element required. Many
tasty licks are to be found here and some great stereo effects
on the backing.
Catfight starts has
everything but the kitchen sink from a Japanese woman warbling
in the intro before heading into pure Metal territories with
some absolutely smoking lead guitar before a detuned riff
which really gets the speakers kicking some dust when the
bass and drums come in. Another doomy riff enters the frey
and is heavier than anything Marty released whilst in Megadeth
before heading back in to more FX soundscapes, very enjoyable.
The pace drops again for Corazon
De Santiago, boasting a strong latin influence. Again
very soulful and earthy melodies run throughout the track
and there is even some nice mock flamenco acoustic work in
the background. When the band kicks in Marty treats us to
another melodic masterpiece. Reminiscent at times of John
Petrucci's most melodic moments coupled with Santana sustain
really hits the heart. Another highlight.
0-7-2 is a 40 second
classical piece which sees acoustic guitar combine with strings
and piano. Based on a section of Marty's solo spot whilst
still in Megadeth. Sadly its just too short.
Salt In The Wound
is heavy. Some killer riffs that is the closest this album
gets to Martys work in Megadeth (particularly Rust In Peace
era). Great guitar throughout this track.
Novocaine Kiss has
a lot of space, particularly the intro which is just like
floating around the galaxy. Again home to the more melodic
side of Marty's playing shows us that this man can play. The
melodies are again strong and to the fore. Marty describes
this track as "being the kind of music you would imagine
going through your head when you know you were going to die".
I take this to mean that its a very introspective track and
has enough emotional content to get you thinking about what
has been done through your life. Ultimately I would not be
in the least disappointed if this is what plays when the final
curtain falls.
So there it is. Music For Speeding is quite simply
an extremely strong instrumental album that covers a lot of
basis. From it we learn that there is much more to Friedman
than being Mustaine's sidekick and that the guy knows how
to pen a few killer melodies and can play the guitar better
than most could ever wish to achieve. Lust For Life is simply
stunning and with other tracks not far behind I feel that
every listener could get something from this release.
