This is the second instrumental solo album for Vendetta guitarist Edward Box, following 2003’s Plectrumhead. Box started his first band XLR8R in 1990, which resulted in the Inner Oceans release. Support slots for UK Rockers Thunder followed, as well as other gigs in the UK and all across Europe. The band fell apart as the surrounding musical climate changed, with Box co-forming Arch Stanton afterwards. Edward Box also was featured on a Jimi Hendrix tribute in 2004, where he interpreted “Foxy Lady.”
Influences mentioned include Michael Schenker, George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Joe Satriani. Of these, Box’s style is most akin to that of Master Satriani, and his pupil of days gone by, Vai. At the same time, while fluent, he is not overly flamboyant, and the sound featured on Moonfudge could often be described as mellow.
The album – self produced, along with the helping hand courtesy of bass player Neil Lough, takes on a few ideas that Box, by his own account, has had for years. One of these is “Stanton’s Stomp,” which goes back to reworking a vocal song from his previous band, Arch Stanton, a band which had Box handling vocal duties as well. The song has got a Hendrix-like riff that ventures off and gets busy.
“Jack In The Box” gets in the groove right off the bat, backing up the lead guitars, which follow a distinct melody. In contrast, the lead guitars are at times not backed up by anything other than bass and drums in “Welcome To The Grindhouse,” which makes the trio band come across at times live sounding.
“Axis Of Evil” does not really conjure up evil images, but rather it’s an uplifting little tune. “Hourglass” starts off softly and also remains ballad-like after the drums kick in. Calling the album Moonfudge is telling as compositions such as “Downstream” are sonically easy on the ear, and this remains the overall impression taking in the body of work as a whole.
“Trailblazer” is louder and sharper in its direction. The riff off “Pasadena” takes on an 80s arena Rock vibe, and perhaps it features some Van Halen-like leanings. “Reverse The Polarity” features quite a lot of busy lead playing before another riff comes in to fade out the song.
Edward Box’s playing serves best and is most appealing when slower and at ease. The Rockier tunes do serve a purpose as to make way for variation. The compositions are based on rhythms, actual shredding proven redundant. Edward Box’s style lies within more classic Hard Rock, writing-wise. The production, on the other hand, is unspectacular, though not bad, and the drummer Mick Robson could have come across more powerfully in the mix.
Supposedly staying busy, Edward Box also teaches guitar in England, and will contribute to the Web site AllOutGuitar.com from now on as well.
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