Loss for Words is guitarist and multi-instumentalist Jeffrey Ryan Smoots' first all-instrumental, guitar oriented release. Comprised of 12 melodic tunes littered with catchy melodies and searing guitar work, Smoots rises head and shoulders above most of the other guitar players attempting similar styles. Not only can this player shred with the best of them, but Smoots is adept at writing memorable songs that allow him to showcase his awesome chops within a tight and melodic framework without coming across as overindulgent.
A song like "Builder" for instance, really grooves and sticks in your head, with soaring lead lines and chunky rhythms. "Double Star" contains plenty of intricate time signatures, plus a highly emotional and yearning guitar solo that brings to mind early Joe Satriani. 80's metal riffs meets sweeping arpeggios on the aggressive "Skyward", while "Stadium Dreams" has a very symphonic and majestic tone to it, much like some of Steve Morse's recent material. Smoots throws in some technical progressive metal on the complex "Unearthly Ambition", a song that has some impressive shuffling guitar riffs and wicked lead lines. For tons of "groove and chunk" check out the funky "Dog Robot", complete with monstrous, bluesy rhythms and thick wah-wah solos.
Does it sound like Mr. Smoots is somewhat of a well rounded player? You bet! Loss for Words is a very enjoyable listen that hits you with many styles and never once becomes an overwhelming shred fest, although there is plenty of hot guitar playing throughout. Within the context of three to five minute songs, Jeffrey Ryan Smoots is able to entice the listener with catchy hooks, impressive and meaningful solos, and lots of crunchy guitar riffs. Check this out.
Track Listing
1) Unearthly Ambition (4:37)
2) Dog Robot (3:53)
3) King Lerxst (3:57)
4) Mr. Negativity (3:39)
5) Ambergris (4:19)
6) Builder (4:46)
7) Cornfed (4:05)
8) Double Star (5:29)
9) Skyward (3:59)
10) Stadium Dreams (4:09)
11) The Anachronist (4:59)
12) Zeta Principle (5:39)
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