adam law - Thinking Out Loud II

Adam Law 

Thinking Out Loud II
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

If you are into metal as well as guitar virtuosos like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai or John Petrucci you will most likely enjoy Thinking Out Loud II by Adam Law. The album is full of palm muted distorted guitars, intense high-octane solos as well as ton of reverb which creates an atmospheric landscape. There is enough variety in the five songs on the EP so you don't miss the vocals. The lead guitar replaces the vocal and becomes the focal center of your attention throughout. The drums are powerful but the star of the show is the cascading, twirling solos. 

The EP starts with “Time and Time Again,” which is a heavy song as far the rhythm, guitar and drums goes but is contrasted effectively with the reverb-laced lead and piano to create a dreamlike aura. Law’s leads zigzag across different scales with ease as you appreciate his technical and creative capabilities. 

“Starship Elevator” is a subdued song compared to the others on the EP. The piano has a prominent role and the drums are low and a bit muffled in the mix. The song actually has a bit of a new age vibe, which isn't always a bad thing. When the lead guitar finally unveils itself its smooth, cascading scales take over but are used sparingly making it more effective. “No Regrets” reverts back to the vibe of the first two songs although the addition of the second clean guitar was beneficial. The album ends with “Sunrise Shores,” which has some of the melodic as well hypnotic melodies on the album. Towards the end Law unleashes a repetitive guitar riff before exploding into the final moments, which embrace a nuanced solo.

Thinking Out Loud II is a solid EP although sometimes I wished there was some more variation between songs. For guitar fans this will be a fun ride because Adam Law is a technically gifted guitarist who has a knack for creativity. 

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