Milan Polak is a guitar player from Europe that has been making
quite an impact on the scene during 2005. Earlier this year we saw
the release of the excellent 'Dreamscapes' album which has seen terrific
reviews all over the net and printed media, so its good work by Lion
Music to make Milan's previously independently released album available
to the public.
Originally released under
the name 'Guitar 2001' and released in 1995, the album has been
repackaged and had a bonus track included. Listeners that have
heard Dreamscapes will be sure to want to check out Guitar Odyssey. This album is much more guitar intensive than Dreamscapes, and has more
'flash guitar', but that is just one reason to pick up Guitar Odyssey.
Milan is one of the
hottest players currently on the scene and is not only extremely
proficient in practically every style you can imagine but also knows how
to write engaging music and present in such a way that it has its own
unique voice and character. Couple this with excellent production
values and you have a very strong package.
As previously mentioned
Guitar Odyssey is full of more flash guitar than Dreamscapes with opener Light's Camera Action being a perfect example. Home to an
almost country feel with chicken pickin' and other such tricks the track
is a good fun opener.
Where Were You
Tomorrow
is primarily riff led but showcases traditional structuring in terms of
their being easily identifiable verse/pre-chorus/chorus. This
track is better than anything Satriani has produced in this sort of
vein since his 1992 masterwork 'The Extremist'. There is a nice
half time mid section that sees Milan playing with real soul - listen
to the note choice and articulation here - excellent and a contender
for track of the album.
Inner Peace is
again Satriani-ish in feel, although this is probably again due to their
being a strong identifiable melody. The lead work has a slightly
exotic edge with some great micro tonal bends which evokes a little
Marty Friedman. Polak's strong tone makes this track come alive
further and has to go down as a highlight.
Vinka is an odd
bit of music - a cross between Jazz Fusion / Cartoon Music and waling
guitar. This is one example of the humour Polak is able to put
into his music and still have it coming out sounding as a meaningful
composition. Modern rock is then explored on More Than I've
Been, this could easily be used as a soundtrack to a game ala Grand
Turismo, nice chunky riffs coupled with lead work that makes best use of
unison bends and harmonic fills.
Absolutely Positive sees more extreme fretwork over a funk metal backing, just real good fun
upbeat stuff. This is then followed by Latin acoustic flavours of Could’ve Been Love which is a
definite highlight of the album. The nylon guitar really allows
Milan's phenomenal touch and technique to shine through. Cruisin' has a feel reminiscent of Eric Johnson's more rockier
moments - again great note choice and feel - and is perfect car music.
Tendonitus is 2 minutes of early Metallica style riffery with scary
guitar on top - lots of sweep picked arpeggios and fiery lead work add
to the track but the heavy riffing is what wins here. Chain
Reaction is modern fusion but a little heavier than would you expect
from the likes of Greg Howe and Frank Gambale. Milan showcases a
flawlessly smooth legato technique here as well as utilising tasteful
tremolo bar inflections.
Sylphe has a great contrast of light and shade, from lush acoustic melodies to
soaring lead lines. The main melody is extremely strong here and
provides the perfect foil to the understated backing - another
highlight. Witchdance is a barrage of scary guitar (as suggested
by the name) and intense drumming, complete with some Vai-ish odd
harmonisation.
Sunrise sees calm return with another beautiful sonic tapestry
comprised of harmonics, arpeggiated chords, and another great melody
with some tasteful bluesy licks - this track would be the perfect start
to a perfect day.
Finally a demo version of Where Were You Tomorrow is included
and shows how the track grew. The demo version has the same
classy melody lines but is not quite so well rounded in the backing
track. A good insight that is sure to please Milan's hardcore
fans.
Overall Guitar Odyssey can be added to list of guitar
instrumental releases that comes along every year or so that really
blows your head off. Milan's work here is nothing short of
exceptional and not only shows that he is capable of writing and playing
with different genres and style of guitar but also proves he is master
of these styles. Guitar Odyssey is a must own for any fan of
exciting guitar music and a word to Vai and Satriani - get this guy on a
G3 tour now!
