Carlsson, Patrik - Phraseology


Year of Release: 2004
Label: Lion Music
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 51:34:00

Many great guitar players did not go to a school and learn to play so good. No, most of them taught themselves how to play, although a certain amount of education from a teacher is helpful. 15 year old Patrik Carlsson had an acoustic guitar, had learned how to play two songs, but was not accepted at a music school he tried to get into. A year later he discovered Steve Vai and especially the album Passion And Warfare made a huge impression on him (coincidently also the first Vai album I ever heard). He set himself to learn to play just as good as Vai and studied his ass off. Now, some 10 years later, Patrik Carlsson has his own studio, worked on several albums and now brings out his latest work, a solo album called Phraseology (no references to Prince here).

The first thing I noticed, was the Satriani/Vai influence. His use of funky but crunchy riffs and various sound effects, gave it a familiar sound to me. On the Jimi Hendrix tribute album he also contributed a few songs and already then I picked up some serious Satriani sounds in one song, but the other two sounded really good and so far I really love his album. It is far better than any of the other instrumental guitar albums I heard the past months. Carlsson plays with great easy and pleasure and this is noticeable in the songs. I like the sound effects, as this brings some humor in the music.

Carlsson's guitar play is fantastic, funky, fast, crunchy, heavy and harmonious, how do you describe the sound of the guitar? However you describe it, he plays on the same level as Satriani or Vai, he is just not as known as them. Besides his amazing play, I also like the song titles, as they also say a lot about how he is. What do you think of "Exptoc Bossa"? This song would almost fit the Copa Cabana! Or "Andrea ? It's X-mas", Carlssons version of a children's song, which is really good. "Lisa's Passion For Heavy Metal" is short, but nice and heavy, with some nice twists. Last but not least: "Cartoon Hippie", really hilarious, with some cartoon effects and some cool, heavy riffs.

Mind you it is just Carlsson and his guitar, in the background you do hear some drums, but most likely they come out of a computer. Which is OK, as the album is about Patrik Carlsson and his guitar and I think he has succeeded in telling his story. Great album, lot's of Satriani / Vai influences, but has enough original play and material to stand on his own legs. He gets my vote, for sure, for this fantastic album. He is definitely one of the better guitar players around and I think he should be included in the next G3 shows ? let Vai or Satriani play some of HIS stuff!

[This review originally appeared August 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Jimi's Tribute / The Survivor / Still Believe / Twilight Zone / Aeryn Sun / Epsilon Indi / High Pitch / Mosquito / Guardian Angel / Supernova / Exotic Bossa / Supernova / Andrea ? It's X-Mas / Lisa's Passion For Heavy Metal / Cartoon Hippie

Musicians:
Patrik Carlsson ? guitars, programming

Discography:
Phraseology (2004)

Genre: Melodic Rock-AOR

Origin SE

Added: November 27th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.figstamper.com/
Hits: 2198
Language: english

  

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