Instrumental electric guitar albums seem easier to find these days than in times gone by. That's OK, presuming the ones you find aren't bloated, self-indulgent fret fests that please practically no one but the players involved. Language of the Spirits is the kind of instrumental electric guitar album you want to hear. The first international release from South American guitarist and bassist Hittar Cuesta culls influences from the usual suspects (Joe Satriani, Tony MacAlpine, Steve Vai) and the not-so-usual suspects (Mark Knopfler, David Gilmour and several classical-music composers). Cuesta's crisp and clear style sonically shines on such tracks as the screraming opener "Steel Birds," the neoclassical shredfest "Labyrinth" and the aggressive "Lydian for Satriani." (There's that name again.) The melodic ballad "Hidden Mistress" showcases Hittar's streamlined playing, and the opening movements from "Dance of Souls" could even pass for an Enchant piece. Apparently, the spirits speak multiple languages, because this disc is awash in diversity. (Language of the Spirits comes with an enhanced CD section that includes MP3s highlighting other artists in the Progressive Arts Music catalog.)
Track Listing:
1) Steel Birds (4:17)
2) Dimensions (3:34)
3) Dance of Souls (6:07)
4) Hidden Mistress (6:46)
5) Lydian for Satriani (4:41)
6) Manhunter (5:15)
7) Labyrinth (4:32)
8) Holocaust (5:42)
9) Strange Visitor (5:27)
10) Crossroads (4:04)
11) Traveling to the Unknown (6:33)
Total Time: 57:05
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
