Yaan-Zek, Phi: Inner Cosmic Spiral

Phi’s Bandcamp page states that Inner Cosmic Spiral is the guitar album he’s been promising; passionate, fiery playing featuring exceptional progressive rock and fusion compositions. He spent a year completely focused on guitar and composing, and it has paid handsome dividends. In a world full of amazing guitarists, how does one stand out in the crowd? Bringing in The Aristocrats rhythm section of Bryan Beller (bass) and Marco Minnemann (Drums) is a great starting point.

The beauty here is the music and playing are diverse, each track offers the listener something unique. You want to hear him absolutely shred, then look no further than the title track that kicks off the album if you want your mind blown. “Blue Sky Kiss� stands on its own with amazing guitar playing, and a quirky arrangement. The track features keyboardist Lalle Larsson (Steve Hackett’s new keyboardist) playing a cool synth solo, and the guitar/keyboard duel makes this even more fun! His Zappa influence shows during “Kything with Ultras� with that xylophone/guitar combination, this one will raise your eyebrows with his guitar lines. Even when things slow down during “A Child in Eternity,� his playing is emotive with impeccable phrasing, and the unison lines with the xylophone tones add a bit of Zappa flavor, which you’ll also get during “Kything with Ultras.�

“The King of Spirals� has an ear catching melody and will have your head bopping to the very danceable groove. A jazzier flavor comes alive for “Carnival Encounters of the Close Kind,� the track takes a complete 180 with heavy chaotic keyboard and guitar, the back and forth of styles is stunning in both it’s complexity and execution. My choice for most mind-blowing “Re-Enchantment� which features guitarist Terry Syrek and Yaan-Zek going toe to toe, you want blazing guitars, well, you’ve got them! Inner Cosmic Spiral will satisfy your guitar cravings, and find itself listed in the best albums in 2025.

Track Listing
1. Inner Cosmic Spiral
2. Blue Sky Kiss
3. Kything With Ultras
4. A Child in Eternity
5. The King of Spirals
6. Carnival Encounters of the Close Kind
7. Wave Goodbye
8. Cloud Temples
9. Re-Enchantment
10. Whisper

Added: September 14th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artists @ Bandcamp
Hits: 379
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]