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Joe Satriani’s latest release exceeds expectations

By Greg Goulder ’13
THE ROUNDUP

Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani’s new album has not only met, but raised the bar set by his previous albums.

The guitarist’s 14th studio album, “Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards,” brings back Satriani’s signature sound after two weaker albums: “Super Colossal” in 2006, and “Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock” in 2008.

This album features no vocals, simple drums and basic bass riffs, but extraordinary ’80s metal guitar.

All tracks on this album consist solely of guitar backed by a rhythm section of drums, bass and keyboard.

Satriani’s album has received generally good reviews from critics.

The first track of the album, “Premonition,” comes out strong with powerful, overdriven guitar lines, polished with Satriani’s telltale guitar sound.

The third track, “Pyrrhic Victoria,” starts out with a punchy guitar line reminiscent of Satriani’s early music on albums such as “Crystal Planet” and “The Extremist.”

Satriani’s ability to create new, intriguing melodies is shown throughout this album with songs that I could listen to over and over again without getting bored.

The sound of his main influences, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, are heard in numerous tracks.

Track two, “Dream Song,” starts out strong with a funky riff that sounds like it came straight off of a Hendrix album.

The sixth track of the album, “Littleworth Lane,” sounds like Eric Clapton to the extent that I had to check to make sure I was listening to the correct music.

Satriani’s signature sound continues in this album through his rambling solos and overdriven guitar riffs.

Overall, Satriani’s album has demonstrated his powerful guitar skills and shows that this virtuoso guitarist will only get better with time.

If you are a fan of instrumental guitar music, this album is a must have.

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