Spiraless
Spiraless Independent

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Comments: Spiraless is a three man jazz-fusion instrumental rock band from Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). They have released their debut album, a self-titled 10-track CD full of emotional, entertaining progressive guitar based music. The songs range from straight up jazz to rock as well as easy listening contemporary.

The first thing to describe to fans of instrumental guitar is what this Spiraless album is not. It certainly is not a shred guitar effort like the recent efforts from Francesco Fareri or Jeff Urso. It is more similar to calmer more serious efforts from Steve Vai or Joe Satriani or even fusion bands like Niacin or Ohm.

Much of the record is more under the heading of “mood” music featuring delicate deep tones from the guitars with a strong bass guitar line, almost like what you may have heard in a lounge in the late ‘70s (and even elevator music at times).

The CD starts with the cut “Excite Me” which is more straight ahead and full of speedy guitar histrionics then most of the albums songs. The playing here may remind you of the legendary Uli Roth. It also sees some really nice and subtle bass work from Kevin Gobin.

Up next is “Fusion Illusion” which has a cool short melody repeated dozens of times and the guitar that is tore up is a part of the big picture not an attempt for a masturbation solo. The tones of the keyboards used here are almost Q-Bert like and are over top of some serious background shred work.

The third track “Smooth Desire” is the one that is the best representative of the whole album as the guitar starts out with pretty single notes and the bass lays down a barely audible yet funky line. When the guitars do start to play a bigger role sustained notes like what you would hear on a Satriani love song are delivered clean and effectively. There is some shred at the end of the song but it is so tasteful that it is almost used as a rhythm strictly for the songs benefit.

The rest of the record is very similar to these cuts and uses varying levels of fusion staples to ultimately succeed.

Overall this record is a good, clean, quality effort from these newcomers to the instrumental fusion world. It is not for everyone though as many may see the serene dulcet tones here as boring. This record is definitely slanted for a more mature audience slightly limiting its appeal.

For people that appreciate smooth quality music pick up a copy at www.musicfreedom.com.

Band Members
Atanas Shishkov-Guitar
Todor Peev (Blue2you)-Guitars, Keys, Drums
Kevin Gobin-Bass, Keys, Drums
Vincent Techer-Guest Guitar

Track listing:
Excite Me
Fusion Illusion
Smooth Desire
Space Station
Spiraless
Magic Motion
The Winner
Miss You
Soft Target
Blue Jam

HRH rating: 7.7/10