PAUL GILBERT – Werewolves Of Portland (2021)
MR. BIG guitarist extraordinaire PAUL GILBERT will release his 16th solo studio album, “Werewolves Of Portland“, on June 4 via Mascot / The Players Club. With the international lockdown putting the world on hold, it wasn’t possible to get a band to record in the studio. Gilbert decided to, rather than wait, he got on with playing all the instruments on the album himself.
As with Paul’s previous album, the inspiration for the songs did not come from the guitar, but from writing lyrics and singing melodies.
”Werewolves Of Portland” begins with the harmonized guitar fanfare of “Hello! North Dakota!” This quickly gives way to a kinetic rock groove interspersed with bits of quirky melodic material before Gilbert opens up and rips during the solo. He throws a neoclassical interlude in the middle for kicks before downshifting into another groove and solo and riding the tune out to completion. Right away, Gilbert reminds us that he’s so much more than just a metal guitarist and that he has an original compositional sense to be envied.
“My Goodness” delves into some straight-up rock and roll that finds Gilbert alternating between impressive shred passages and even more impressive melodic sections where he articulates his notes like a vocalist. His drum and bass work is incredibly strong here and throughout the new record and you’d never guess that they aren’t his main instruments. His pocket is huge and organic and drives his songs right where they need to go.
Title track “Werewolves of Portland” is a sinister rock jam built on big riffs and physical energy. It becomes more expansive in the bridge section before opening up into a 21st Century blues groove that will absolutely light you up. This is Gilbert at his sophisticated rock guitar best, combining his natural fire with Al DiMeola-ish muted speed picking and a grand prog middle. If you had to explain PG to someone unfamiliar with him, this cut would be a good place to start.
“Argument About Pie” again mixes high-velocity guitar chops, a big beat, and timeless melodies into an anthem of individuality. Gilbert’s licks and tone are beyond reproach and you will literally hang on every note, waiting for the next one. Be sure to also dig “I Wanna Cry (Even Though I Ain’t Sad)” and “Problem-Solving People.”
Gilbert seemingly has the entire world of music under his fingers, crossing genres and creating endless possibilities for himself like it’s the most natural thing he could think to do. ”Werewolves Of Portland” is another fine chapter in his body of work and will provide fans of high-end rock guitar with years of listening pleasure.
Indulge yourself.
01 – Hello North Dakota!
02 – My Goodness
03 – Werewolves of Portland
04 – Professorship at The Leningrad Conservatory
05 – Argument About Pie
06 – Meaningful
07 – I Wanna Cry (Even Though I Ain’t Sad)
08 – A Thunderous Ovation Shook the Columns
09 – Problem-Solving People
10 – You Would Not Be Able to Handle…
Pre Order:
www.mascotlabelgroup.com/collections/all/products/paul-gilbert-werewolves-of-portland-cd
www.amazon.co.uk/Werewolves-Portland-Paul-Gilbert/dp/B08YJ2VLJ1
