Blake Graham is a multi-instrumentalist from Myrtle Beach, SC who recently released Elements. Graham is an exceptional lead guitarist and his skills can be heard across this album.
There are apparently themes throughout which is always something I argue is somewhat unnecessary for an instrumental album as I would prefer the listener to interpret the sounds as they want to. Graham states the album is “a four-song cycle of instrumental guitar-based rock, influenced by retro video games. Each movement represents a combination/clash of the classical elements, as well as a thematic connection to the biblical story of ‘the woman at the well’." I have to admit I’m not sure how the video games were connected to the biblical stories or if they even were. Either way the songs in general sound like a mix of Dream Theater, Joe Satriani and many other virtuous type players. The guitar work which is often fantastic especially from a technical perspective is the high point in all the songs. This is essentially a solo album and I have to admit the drums didn’t have the dynamics I hear from an organic drummer. It was either heavily sampled or midi-programming. All in all the sound quality was solid especially from a home studio but felt a little shy from what I would expect from a professional studio. Graham is the type of guitarist that just has an endless amount of riffs and leads. You can hear this on “Press Start - Morning Star.” The song has an ambient, atmospheric beginning but with no warning gets much, much heavier. The music is fact sounds like ’80s or early ’90s metal in particular. The song is epic as it moves forward going from crescendo to crescendo. “Distant Shimmer” has great guitar work but also feels a lot more ethereal at times because of the pads he implements. I was thrown off by “Four Months.” The acoustic guitar work and percussion had such a different sonic imprint at first I had to make sure I was listening to the correct song. The last song “Harvest” does have a lot more in common with the first two songs. There is a segment of the population that loves this style of music. You know who you are. Take a listen.
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