Rodler, Chris: Left To My Own Devices

Here is another new name to me. Erie, Pennsylvania native Chris Rodler has been plowing through the progressive underground scene since the early ‘90s, plying his trade in a number of bands including Drama, Leger de Main, Gratto, RH Factor, Mythologic, Andeavor and Razor Wire Shrine. None of these bands I have heard so I was certainly curious as to what the guitarist had to offer on his first solo album titled Left To My Own Devices.

The first five tracks are short pieces strung together featuring Rodler’s considerable exploits on lead guitar, venturing into heavy ‘70s style fusion. Rodler holds nothing back as his flair for the guitar is up front and center. With “Compound Fra(KC)tion�, Rodler’s swirling guitar leads and hard rock licks makes for an excellent rocker while the three part triptych “Scattered In The Wind/Needles In Your Nerves/Race The Rats� offers a laid back fusion vibe with a hint of dissonance before the tempo ramps up along with Rodler’s inspiring guitar work. The pulse pounding “Vultures Lie In Wait� gets back into heavier rock fusion.

Although not loaded with melodic hooks, Rodler has composed some fine instrumental fusion with Left To My Own Devices. I look forward to hearing more of his work.

Track Listing:
1. The Unraveling (1:58)
2. Bask In The Glow, Pt. 1 (0:33)
3. Stomp Through Town (1:11)
4. Bask In The Glow, Pt. 2 (0:30)
5. The Destructionist (1:23)
6. Compound Fra(KC)tion (4:13)
7. Scattered In The Wind (1:47)
8. Needles In Your Nerves (1:25)
9. Race The Rats (1:29)
10. Vultures Lie In Wait (4:59)
11. Set Me On Fire (2:09)
12. Tangled Senses (1:08)
13. Infect The Wound (1:30)
14. Shifting Tides (5:56)
15. Sesquipedalian (2:53)
16. Contravene (1:50)
17. The Dark Side’s Light (5:53)
18. Falling Fast (1:01)
19. Askew (2:13)
20. Embankment (2:39)
21. Tethered To Discord (3:48)

Added: February 22nd 2022
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist on Soundcloud
Hits: 665
Language: english

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