ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE LUKATHER - TRANSITION

Renowned for his flashy six-string work with Toto, Steve Lukather has opened a new chapter with his seventh solo release. Lyrically 'inspired' by his troubled past and struggle to regain full health 'Transition' showcases an intuitive melting pot of musical styles which finds him again at his creative peak. Steve's vocal strength is prominent throughout especially on the swampy blues laden 'Creep Motel' which exposes all of his signature whammy moves. In contrast the epic 'Right The Wrong' is a perfect example of the guitarman's songwriting prowess, a slow heartfelt ballad which harmoniously grows into a euphoric rock anthem, while on standout cut 'Rest Of The World' Lukather recreates the charismatic classic rock of guitar legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton. A pleasure pool of jazz, rock and blues which oozes pure emotion!

Jonathan Crampton
ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: DEREK SHERINIAN - OCEANA

Glorious, vivacious prog-jazz/blues from Black Country Communion’s versatile keyboard-player. Derek Sherinian draws on his Dream Theater/Platypus past with his new solo album for a vigorous, virtuosic instrumental workout. Dubbed ‘The Caligula of the Keyboards’ by Alice Cooper, Sherinian’s pedigree sprawls across genres. As such, he has access to a bottomless pit of quality musicians to dip into for his solo projects, this time Toto’s guitarist Steve Lukather and drummer Simon Phillips sprinting elegantly alongside the likes of Tony MacAlpine and Doug Aldrich. Guitars squeal and moan with prodigious ease, particularly from BCC colleague, Joe Bonamassa, who dips in for the bluesy ‘I Heard That’. All the while, Sherinian demonstrates an unfeasible dexterity for all things organ-ic throughout an album that fizzes with unbridled, panoramic joy!

Pippa Lang

ROCK iKON Magazine