Chris Brooks "The Axis of All Things"

Chris Brooks: "The Axis of All Things" Review
By Pappy

There are a few things that bug me about instrumental guitar albums:

1) They're almost always too long
2) The songs often sound the same and feature the same tone
3) The songs are way too long
4) The whole album usually comes off as self-indulgent

Fortunately, none of these issues are featured on Chris Brooks' new album, "The Axis of All Things."  The album is fairly short, coming at just over 40 minutes long, with the longest song being 6:39 in length.  The songs sound different and often feature different tones or different styles of playing.  When you think you may be getting used to the tones and style that Brooks uses, out comes a new one that perks your ears up and keeps you from becoming complacent.  This isn't to say the album suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder and different for differences' sake because there's a common tone lining the album that seems to be Brooks' particular voice, but it doesn't feel like one really long song with the same licks and tones.  There are a lot of twists and turns through the songs, expertly positioned to keep the listener interested and maintain the integrity of the song.

Also, the biggest thing is that the songs don't come off as self-indulgent.  It doesn't feel like I'm listening to someone who wants to show me how great they are at playing guitar.  Instead, it feels like I'm listening to someone who wants me to listen to great songs and the fact that he can play with speed and precision of the level that could singe the eyebrows of shocked faces isn't showcased.

It's an odd thing, when someone toes this line, I think.  Chris Brooks is an absolutely amazing guitarist, with a strong grip on melody and instrumental song-writing and the playing really feels like he's holding himself back in places for the song's sake.  But you know in your mind he has the potential in his playing to fly off in a shred-fest.  Similar to Superman not killing anyone.  He does it because it's right, but you know it wouldn't be hard at all for him to destroy you.

I appreciate the reserve in both cases.

This album also features some amazing tones.  Brooks uses a Suhr Custom Standard guitar (similar to a Super Strat) and a Suhr Badger 30 amplifier head, which Brooks says has a Plexi sort of sound, as well as a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier into Port City cabinets loaded with Eminence Cannabis Rex speakers.  Between the guitar and amp lie assorted Suhr and Boss pedals.

If you are a fan of instrumental rock, this album is required buying and you won't be disappointed.  If you think you may be interested in getting into this kind of genre, this album is an excellent introduction to it.

I highly recommend it.  It's great.  Check it out HERE and see what you think!

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