Unique and Innovative Instrumental Rock.........FINALLY!!!
Slauson | 01/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was first introduced to Dennis Naples when I caught a set of his at the Baked Potato here in LA, a club famous for serving up world class baked potatoes and world class music.
Even at this venue for "the player's player," I was struck by the outstanding guitar work and complex arrangements of Dennis' music. When I heard that he had released an album with Lenny White, one of my favorite drummers, I couldn't wait to check it out.
"Bullet" certainly does not disappoint. From start to finish the record is saturated with densely layered riffs, harmonies and grooves. Dennis gets some crazy sounds out of his digital guitar setup, from horns, to strings, to I-don't-even-know-what.
I'm not sure how I would classify "Bullet." "Bullet" beckons to the listener who digs the darker riffs of Sevendust, the complex layered arrangements of Nine Inch Nails, the technical proficiency of Slipknot, but with the songwriting prowess of a classically trained composer and the improvisational instincts of a jazz cat.
Lenny White is in top form here, as well, finding himself in a far heavier project than ever before. Like a true artist, he adapts to his new setting while still maintaining his unmistakable signature style.
Dennis Mackay's slick production and engineering give "Bullet" an Everest-like sonic presence. As fans of his work will know, nobody can get a drum sound like Mackay, and when he has Lenny White to work with, the results are thundering; And while Naples' digital guitar produces a variety of sounds, and each song features multiple guitar tracks, Mackay ensures the mix is never muddy, and each instrument is audible in the mix.
"Bullet" is the album I've been needing for a long time. As someone whose taste in music is diverse, it's a breath of fresh air to not have to choose between stunning guitar playing on top of cheesy chord progressions, or intense riffs and grooves with no highlighted guitar solos. I know this album will appeal to a broad audience of listeners who crave intense, aggressive music in a sophisticated and innovative new package.
Pick this album up now."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
