ARTIST - ETHAN BROSH

CD - OUT OF OBLIVION

LABEL - MAGNA CARTA

RELEASE DATE - MARCH, 2009

SOUNDS LIKE - Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten, Steve Vai, Tony MacApline.

DEFINING MOMENTS - The Hit Man, Downward Spiral, Ancient Land, Illusion.

STRENGTH - Guitar Showmanship, Melodic Delivery, Consistency.

WEAKNESS - Outdated Mix, Released 20 years to late, Marketability

KATAVI RATING - 4 out of 7 masks

If you look up the definition of OBLIVOIN in the dictionary it reads: the state of being disregarded or forgotten. Rock & roll guitar god Ethan Brosh releases OUT OF THE OBLIVION in March 2009, and I tip my hat to not only to Ethan Brosh as a guitar player, but to the individual who came up with that CD title. OUT OF OBLIVION revisits the old glory days of 80’s hair metal with blazing guitar pyrotechnics, thunderous drums, and grinding rock rhythms. Seems like it was only yesterday the Hair Metal Scene was the undisputed king of the hill, but one fact still remains: that was over 20 years ago! So where did all that time go, why don’t you go ask guys like Kirk Cobain, Billy Corgan, or The Jonas Brothers.

OUT OF OBLIVION is reminiscent of a party that has long since ran its course, but leaving behind a million memories that just can’t be forgotten. It it’s wake are some of the most impressive solo guitar work that ever came off the assembly line. This CD is a solid statement from start to finish and has a classic Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Jennifer Batten, Tony MacAlpine rock feel to it. You’ll find catchy melodies layered everywhere, and of course guitar solos that will make your head spin. The CD kicks off with my favorite piece: THE HIT MAN, a strong driving melody with catchy solos and melodies that gets things started in the right foot. You will quickly discover the guitar showmanship of this CD is as good as it gets, and make no bones about it Ethan Brosh knows how to play his instrument. OUT OF OBLIVION raises the bar even further by bringing guitar legend George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) to the table who plays solos on TRACK 03: DOWNWARD SPIRAL. (yep I though I recognized that ESP tone somewhere.) I wonder if he was in New York when he recorded it? OUT OF OBLIVION has a few “wait just a second” moments as well. Track 6 – ILLUSION, is a brilliant acoustical piece where Ethan Brosh showcases his Spanish guitar virtuoso. This could be on smooth Jazz radio right now, to bad drummer Mike Mangini (Extreme) can’t keep up. Track 4: BACH PRELUDE NO.4, adapted from Lute Suite in E Major is equally as impressive

Pro Mixers these days make there money keeping attention spans for more than 10 seconds at a time. It is true that modern music has taken 10 steps backwards on musicianship in recent years, but as a result it's advanced 20 steps forward with mixing. Why am I bringing this up? It is fitting that a CD like OUT OF OBLIVION be mixed with a style compatible with that era. This production has an aftertaste of a late 80’s and early 90’s mix job to it. Unfortunately because the mix is somewhat outdated when compared to other 2009 releases, the musical delivery over time can seem flat, monotonous and somewhat lukewarm. Trust me you’ll be writing your “honey do” list by TRACK 5. But with all due respects to Ethan Brosh I will close by saying he has my utmost respect as an artist and a guitar player.

The strong suit to OUT OF OBLIVION is it’s guitar showmanship, melodic delivery and overall consistency. This CD will be a joy for guitar enthusiasts out there who enjoy technically savvy guitar, shredding solos, and a strong 80’s rock delivery. If you like your guitar served hot to the touch, with solos that are fast and furious OUT OF OBLIVION belongs in your hands. The only problem with OUT OF OBLIVION is it’s outdated mix, and it was released 20 years to late. The year is 2009, and although the music scene has changed dramatically over the last 2 years, 10 years, 20 years, there are still artists like Ethan Brosh who just refuse to be forgotten, or cast into the oblivion. True - Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) may be a millionaire, but he cant play a solo like Ethan Brosh can. Sad but true.

My overall rating - 4 out of 7 masks.
 

Cyrus Rhodes - 4/1/09

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