Bogert, Mark: Painting The World

The Dutch band Knight Area have been forging their way in the progressive rock genre since 2003 and have become a favourite of mine over the years. In 2012 a young guitarist by the name of Mark Bogert joined the band and the sound of Knight Area veered in a heavier direction. Although some were critical of this change in sound I found it to be quite refreshing, a sort of re-energization of the band.

In 2016 Bogert released his first solo album Painting The World on Freia Music. Joining the guitar phenom are two of his mates from Knight Area, Peter Vink (bass guitar) and Pieter van Hoorn (drums). After listening to Paint The World it is easy to understand why Knight Area chose this talented player. First of all he can shred with the best ala Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, but that's not the only trick up his sleeve. Whether he delves into neoclassical shredding or slows it down with more feel and emotion his tone is so melodic your brain will be playing these tunes over and over for days. That's saying something considering this is a completely instrumental affair.

This is a short disc by today's standards, roughly thirty-nine minutes but the songs exude quality and there is no filler to be found. The first track "Earning The Best" is a melodic tour d force opening with a catchy keyboard riff with the guitar soon to follow. From neoclassical bits to slower passages, this is as catchy as anything I have heard this past year. Next is "Obstacles In The Universe", a bit slower and crunchier at first with squelching lead guitar and harder riffage. His sustained notes and jaw dropping solos hold the melody incredibly well. "Nature Of Stone" combines acoustic and electric guitar showing Bogert's versatility whereas "Friends On Holiday" sounds absolutely joyous, a celebration of life as the positivity bursts forth from his guitar. A bit of Spanish flair in this one as well. "Learning The Difficulties" ups the intensity again with heavier chords and a hint of Middle Eastern touches in the soloing.

Painting The World is such an impressive instrumental album. Whether you are or are not a guitar player will not matter as melodic instrumental guitar rock doesn't get much better than this.

Track Listing:
1. Earning The Best
2. Obstacles In The Universe
3. Nature Of Stone
4. Friends On Holiday
5. Learning The Difficulties
6. Freedom After Wars
7. Missing The Loved Ones
8. Running Till The End Of Time
9. Created Lifestyle
10. A Lifetime Journey

Added: January 31st 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1364
Language: english

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