Album review: BEN GRANFELT – Melodic Relief

Supersounds Music [Release date 02.11.12]

Ben Granfelt used to partner Andy Powell in Wishbone Ash and it’s no surprise that fellow Finn (and former bandmate in Gringos Locos) Muddy Manninen and Powell contribute to one track, ‘New 7’.  It may come as a surprise, though, that this is Granfelt’s eleventh solo album, now getting a re-promotion in the UK.  It might be timely, as the album doesn’t seem to have commanded much attention (or reviews) when first released.

Right from the opener, this is a guitar instrumental album with purpose.  ‘El Gringo’s Revenge’ rattles along and sets the very high standard maintained throughout.  Granfelt never over-eggs.  He evidently has the chops but unnecessary histrionics never hijack a good tune.   A seasoned pro having a damn good blow.

There is even a hint of Satch-esque melody here and there whilst that other great instrumental troupe The Hellecasters are evoked on tracks like ‘GTR Tech’ and indeed the Ash-collaboration ‘New 7′.

The bluesy ballad ‘Still Waiting’ brings to mind mid-seventies period Jeff Beck (as does the fusion-y ‘Because We Still Can’) and ‘GMT’ has a slight ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ feel in places and is the mandatory slow-burn, pot-boiler.

On this album, apart from his Wishbone Ash guests, Granfelt is joined by long-time colleagues Ako Kiiski on bass (Guitar Slingers) and Twist Twist Erkinharju on drums (from Granfelt’s other ongoing band interest Los Bastardos Finlandeeses).

Always rooted in a good tune,  ‘Melodic Relief’ shows guitarists just how a solo instrumental album should be done.  Outstanding.  *****

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

David Randall plays a selection of new and classic rock in his weekly show first broadcast 14 June 2020 including reference to the Feature series “2020 Vision”.

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