www.kallevilpuu.com [Release date 22.12.13]

I have to say I always approach guitarist-led independent releases with a certain amount of intrepidation.  Often they are mere vanity projects, apeing others, badly recorded, badly executed and maybe enlisting a “name” to help sales and…vanity.

Kalle Vilpuu is a guitarist from Estonia, a country not especially known for great musical exports, and he’s put together 11 tracks that repay repeated attention.  It is to Vilpuu’s credit that he explores various styles and textures on this album, aided by the very competent Anrus Lillepea (drums) and Henno Kelp (bass).

The opening track ‘Anomalies’ sets the scene, if not actually the blueprint, but it demonstrates how Vilpuu tastefully melds his guitar with an orchestral backdrop (provided by a real string section) and keyboard-based effects/electronica.  This adds interest throughout the album, and it becomes less of a guitarist navel-gaze and more of a genuinely absorbing – and satisfying – listen.

This continues with ‘Unforgiven’ with Vilpuu’s chunky metal chords and soloing, and the excellent ‘Interno’ which is enhanced by the vocals of Mari Pokinen.  This particular track is a standout and opens with an Apocalyptica-esque string refrain before an Air-esque –vibe gives way to a quite wonderful guitar denouement.  Pokinen returns on the attractive ‘The Touch Of An Angel’.

‘Industrial No.4′ is a fantastic metal piledriver along with ‘In The Back Of My Head’ and the monumental ‘The Aliens (Have Landed)’.   Vilpuu’s guitar style is not especially derivative as is so often the case with similar guitar-based albums.  The latter piece, for example,  is propelled along with an infectious Kelp bass pattern and harnesses the headiness of prime-time Ozric Tentacles.  Yes, this is an intriguing album!

The high standards never slip, the album book-ended by that appealing blend of metal guitar and classical finesse (on ‘Forgiven’ with the flute of Tarvi Jaago) and the title track which brings together all the elements that make this album great: electronica, strings, and a persuasive guitar that peters out to a single tone.  Wonderful.

The thread running through the whole album is one of well constructed songs and throughtful structuring.  Kalle Vilpuu exercises taste and restraint, something slightly refreshing in overcrowded guitar-dom.  Moreover, he’s produced one of the best guitar-led instrumental albums you’re likely to hear.  *****

Review by David Randall

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

---

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

---

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

---

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)

---

---

Popular (last 10 days)

---