Ahhh, the glorious tones that Paul Gilbert has been producing for over 20 years. I first stumbled upon Gilbert in the early/mid '80's with the first Racer X record & to tell you the truth, he hasn't really ever disappointed. Ok, some of the Mr. Big stuff was lame, but he still played well! Well, fast forward to 2008 and the release of another Shrapnel Records CD, this time called Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar. This all instrumental record is a good cross section of all of Paul's work. Sometimes heavy, sometime funky, sometimes reflective, but always done in the true Paul Gilbert style, with humor, tasty chops and a great tone. Oh, did I mention that he does shred it up a bit, too?
The 11 track Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar is NOT a Racer X CD. Let me get that out of the way. It is not a Metal record, but more of a Hard Rock exploration of different styles that allow Gilbert to stretch it out a bit. That's not to say that there aren't plenty of rockin' songs on here, there are. Check out the Satriani fueled "The Rhino" or the shred fest opening of "Eudaimonia Overture". One of my favorites is the title track with its very later day Racer X vampy type of feel. The big highlight is "Bronx 1971" with its funky, clean guitar work. Think part Zappa, part '70's TV Cop show theme music, with a little Cheech & Chong (remember their band in their movies?). It just has this swagger that could have been on a show like Starsky & Hutch. This is a really cool departure for Gilbert and he nails it! Also check out the CD closer, "Paul Vs. Godzilla" for some of PG's finest playing to date, which is my personal favorite on this CD. A steamy, almost sultry tour de force of a song!! Disappoint, he does not.
Along for the ride are bass player Mike Szuter, drummer Jeff Bowders & piano/Hammond B3 player Emi Gilbert. This is a record where Paul was able to obviously do what he wanted to do, and it shows. From the tender guitar pinch harmonics and piano of ""Suite Modale" to the full on Metal shred of "The Gargoyle", Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar is a great listen. Paul Gilbert still has that great tone he always has had (remember those great Ampeg amp ads?!) and what can you say about his playing? He is still part of that elite club of the shredder's shredder and with allowing himself to stretch out and tackle some uncharted waters, he has only proven himself once again to be an amazing player.
Any Gilbert fan should eat this up. His uncanny humor, tone and legendary playing will make this a welcome CD with any guitar fan. There is something here for everyone. 20 plus years later and Paul Gilbert shows why he is still legendary player with plenty still to say.
Pick up this CD, it rips!
Track Listing
- Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar
- Eudaimonia Overture
- The Rhino
- Norwegian Cowbell
- I Cannot Tell A Lie
- Bronx 1971
- Suite Modale
- The Gargoyle
- I Still Have That Other Girl
- Bultaco Saturno
- Paul Vs. Godzilla
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