Vai, Steve: Inviolate

Steve Vai is a legendary figure in rock guitar, and one of those players who truly has their own voice. There is nothing mediocre about Vai’s playing, he is world class, yet, some of his solo releases have been hit or miss for me. Inviolate puts composition and playing for the song front and center. Steve’s playing here is lyrical, his guitar sings. Beautiful melodies and phrasing, his emotions are expressed through his guitar as a vocalist would when belting out the songs. We all know Vai has the ability to dazzle us with speed and technique, and you get plenty of it here. But, these are the most engaging songs I have heard from him in some time. “Teeth of the Hydra� opens the album, and the music has an ethereal quality, floating underneath Vai’s soaring guitar work. “Little Pretty� will get the head bobbing, a subtle yet slick groove, that is open and yet tight. A little bass popping appears in spots, and Vai soars again with beautiful layered guitar harmonies. “Candlepower� takes things down a different path, with odd melodies that will twist your ear. There is a bright and vital feel to the playing, not sure if this sounds silly, but I want to say this is a happy record. The production is great, and the songs jump out of the speakers, but it feels positive, energetic and fresh. “Apollo In Color� might be my favorite track, and it really has a spark. I don’t find anything here to be self-indulgent, just a top notch band in synch and playing to the high levels we expect. If you are looking for Vai at is flashiest, then “Avalancha� will do the trick. Vai recorded the album after recovering from shoulder surgery, but it is obvious his skills are fully intact. “Greenish Blues� is just, wow, Vai hits a home run with this slower bluesy gem, and he unleashes a fury of guitar upon us here. “Knappsack� is a fun rocker, the licks are jaw dropping, and Steve always adds a bit of playfulness his music. The closing “Sandman Cloud Mist� gives us more of Steve’s emotive playing, and I simply can’t get enough, time to play this album again, and again, and….well, you get the picture.

Vai treats us to great songs, great playing, and gorgeous tone. It takes some time to absorb it all, as I was completely focused on his lead work the first few listens, but began really taking in the songs, and for me, this could be the best album of his career. I look forward to many listens to Inviolate and this album shows us why he is considered one of the greats. I was supposed to be seeing Steve Vai in early March, but the tour was postponed, so I will have to wait until November, but I have a feeling good things come to those who wait!

Track List:

1. Teeth of the Hydra
2. Zeus In Chains
3. Little Pretty
4. Candlepower
5. Appollo In Color
6. Avalancha
7. Greenish Blues
8. Knappsack
9. Sandman Cloud Mist

Added: February 27th 2022
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 998
Language: english

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