Deciding to forge his own path in the wake of Evile, we find out exactly what Ol Drake’s tongue in cheek first solo album is all about!
[tracklist]
1. Han Valen
2. Onions
3. Spaceship Janitor
4. Emperor
5. I’ll Be Bach (Get It?)
6. Guitarists Playing Guitars
7. Karma
8. The Rake Waltz
9. An Absence
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]42 : 00[/length]
[record_label]Eearache Records[/record_label]
[release_date]22nd June 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Having been with the band for such a long period of time, Ol Drake decided to throw in the towel stating that he wanted to pursue other music. Promising fans that they would be hearing material sooner than later it would seem that moment is now upon us. Releasing his first ever solo album the guitarist welcomes us into his world of British humour and shred, what’s not to love?
Prior to the album being penned the guitarist released a teaser of “Spaceship Janitor” very much an example of exactly what the album brings to the table, not taking himself too seriously we hear little skits between solo’s. The blistering fretwork work might be the centre piece, for me it’s the Satriani-esque lead lines that have you humming the songs main riff long after its finished. Though if that’s not quite your bag you can always see how “Han Valen” flexes the guitarists musical muscles, though not stated as a direct tribute to Van Halen the song is essentially about when Ol first learnt how to tap.
However what differentiates Old Rake, is not every song is just a million miles an hour shred fest. Take the Celtic leanings of “Karma” or the inspired use of artificial harmonics on Vai loving “Emperor” showcasing the guitarist’s softer side, whilst of course smoothing things over with his fantastic legato work . There’s no question that Ol Drake is a brilliant player. The change from his Evile days from Enter The Grave to the slower more melodic Infected Nations made me take note of this great Huddersfieldian.
For those who love Evile you will definitely notice the guitarists trademark melodic switches, however it does seem a little like Ol Drake is aiming to appease each area of the classic solo guitarist. The Yngwe Malmsteen sounding “I’ll Be Bach (Get It)” which I really rate for the Arnie reference alone, but it’s as we delve further into the album that things get really fun. Produced by James Murphy, the schizoid thrash of “Guitarists Playing Guitars” enters the speakers not only do we hear choice lead work from Ol Drake but he’s joined by none other than, Gary Holt, Sylosis man Josh Middleton, the legend himself that is James Murphy and finally Amit Sharma which makes for a great take on the classic cameo appearance. Only enhancing the song with neither guitarist taking centre stage it’s also a fantastic combination of classic talent meeting new breeds.
Nevertheless stand out track has to be “The Rake Waltz” where we see the guitarist begin to develop a taste of his own. With those incredible harmonies that have become indentified with the guitarist’s playing. Just shy of six minutes the track is not overbearing, perhaps a small part related to Revocation jam “Chaos Of Forms “? Perhaps a similar use of modes. It’s also a fantastic ambassador for the drum work on the album, featuring great fills and a tightness so sorely needed on a solo record.
Ol Drake has combined the quintessential elements of being a guitarist. Able to play various styles of metal the guitar virtuoso has definitely made his mark. Honouring guitarists old and new, moving through various styles. If you wanted to be nit picky you could say that the guitarist might have not quite found his voice. For a debut album however I don’t think he has done too bad. Fan of Evile or not coining his sense of British, Monty Python sense of humour and fantastic technicality Ol will be raking it in.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]A fantastic first album from the Ex-Evile guitarist. Though some might argue doesn’t hold quite enough personality mimicking classic guitar virtuoso’s Old Rake is a brilliant step in the right direction. [/why]
