Hailing from Montreal, virtuoso guitarist Thomas Polychuck has released his eponymous album with a number of guests in tow. Keyboardist extraordinaire Derek Sherinian is featured on most of the tracks, and sharing the drum stool are luminaries Simon Phillips, Virgil Donati, and Brian Tichy.
Polychuck’s compositions are mostly hard-hitting, heavy, and full of amazing guitar playing. The opening two tracks “Genese” and “The Cyclone” are perfect examples of Polychuck’s monster chops. “Dieze11” veers off into jazz territory showing off Polychuck’s versatility with a clean fat tone, throwing in some nice chording, octaves and Sherinian’s subtle piano is the perfect touch. “1316” is a ripping track with Donati going full bore, and has Polychuck and Sherinian on fire. Of course “1316’ would indicate the time signature of the track!! The song also includes the best bass playing on the album to my ears. I like the diversity as a softer side emerges on “They Carry On”, and the beautiful melodic soloing during “Sign From Beyond The Veil”. “Reality” is the song that sticks with me, and if I had to play a track for someone, this would be my choice.
Polychuck is a member of two Canadian progressive rock bands, “ThellHIMN” and “In Sylvia”. I have not heard of those bands, but I can say they have one badass guitarist! Polychuck also has a guitar lesson website and YouTube page where you can check out his playing. I really enjoyed this album, and if you know me, great guitar playing and the addition of one of my favorite musicians Derek Sherinian is a recipe for success.
Track List:
1. Genese
2. The Cyclone
3. Dieze11
4. 1316
5. Construct
6. They Carry On
7. Reality
8. Sign From Beyond Veil
9. Retold Story
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