www.mikecampese.com [Release date 11.11.22]
I’m sorry but Mike Campese exhibits all the worst aspects of “guitar virtuoso”. Guitarists may well acknowledge his technical mastery (and he has featured in several big guitar mags) but for the average listener this is unlikely to bombast them into submission. They will have turned off after the first couple of tracks and uttered the immortal words “what’s on Netflix”?
’Reset’ is Campese’s 11th solo album and his neo-classical style is showcased on the opener ‘Fire’ and elsewhere. But, overall, this sub-Yngwie offering fails to ignite. Partly this is because of the dense home production and the fact that there are essentially only two musicians. A more balanced and generous helping of audible bass and keyboards may have been a way to go.
On ‘Bee Eater’ he indulges in yet more guitar wankery where tune and melody is sacrificed for over-indulgence. Ad infinitum. And the six vocal tracks cannot rescue the malaise. Lyrically sparse, merely a vehicle for more widdle.
When Campese slows things down – as on the title track and ‘Waisted Time’ (with the unwitting words: “I have waisted all my time”) – it reveals a poor basic tone and an even less flattering voice.
Campese may be best as a teacher or in a band context (he worked with the respected Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 2004). The relentless shred will have most shrieking for their next binge-watch, and breathing a sigh of relief through clenched teeth. **
Review by David Randall
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.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
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 14 April 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 9 April 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 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to an X (Twitter) account
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
