Review by Doug Cornell

If you've got every Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson album, and you still haven't heard enough blistering electric instrumental guitar rock, then this collection of four songs by British Columbia recording artist Rod Shead will make an excellent addition to your collection.  These four tracks possess an almost-nuclear intensity.

"Launch" utilizes a repetitious electric guitar lead, which is backed with a strumming acoustic guitar.  Percussion is fairly minimalistic.  Like all good composers, Shead understands dynamics, and smartly lowers the volume for a bit before continuing with the lead pattern.  "Be Skoots" is another blistering instrumental, and frankly, it sounds a lot like "Launch."  There's no denying Shead's mastery of the instrument, but the tones and production are too similar on these songs. 

Wisely, the music changes pace with "Mt. Hood Mole."  The tone of the guitar is still sharp and edgy, and there are smart keyboard passages that offer a counterpoint to the guitars.  "Fluffy Duck" is aptly named.  While the guitar solos are full of spark and energy, the song features a light beat and subtle bass pattern accompanied by a cheesy keyboard fill.

Rod Shead has the chops to be listed among the best six-string shredders.  A full album will hopefully demonstrate a more adventurous and diverse side to his songwriting style.