SCOTT ALLEN PROJECT

It never ceases to amaze me what a plethora of outstandingly talented musicians there are out there that are waiting to be discovered by the music world, and California-based guitarist Scott Allen is one such example. A graduate of the world-famous G.I.T. (Musicians Institute in California), Allen has already opened for the likes of Eric Martin of Mr Big and Planet X; performs regularly at numerous guitar clinics, as well as being a guitar instructor and releasing two albums of work (of which this is the second) and an instructional DVD. One busy guy then! Packaged in a slick, rather pro-looking digipak, the album’s title track ‘From the Blindside’ guides the listener into the general leanings of the album, loaded with melodic singing guitar-lines, blinding fretwork and skilled finger-tapping à la Satriani and Vai. Infused with infectiously groovy hooks, well-placed wah-wah, ‘Work In Progress’ follows, displaying more musical prowess. With a clear classic rock and early-Satch influence throughout (with titles like ‘I’m Your Boogie Man’ additionally bringing to mind Satch’s own ‘Satch Boogie’), this makes for an enjoyable listen for any self-respecting fan of the solo rock guitarist. Whilst clearly an immensely talented guy, and a multi-skilled one at that (Allen not only plays lead guitar on the album, but also all rhythm and acoustic guitar, piano and keyboards), he is also responsible for the drum programming and production, which I’m afraid to say do let the album down a little. Whilst drum programming can be essential for the solo musician, it can stick out like a sore thumb, especially when not well produced, which is the case here, and right the way through it is blatantly obvious that there is not one live drum in sight, with overtly tinny snare, hi-hat and cymbal sounds that really do lower the quality of the album. In addition to the drums, sadly the general production has a slightly amateurish feel to it, with the bass being practically inaudible, and the guitars lacking depth in quite a few areas, making the whole release rather tinny and treble-laden in sound. But, if you can put this aside and just appreciate the songwriting and guitar-work, then you’re in for a treat.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

Album

FROM THE BLINDSIDE

Review by Hannah Sylvester

RUNNING TIME:

56:13

RELEASE DATE:

2009

TRACK LISTING

1) From The Blindside
2) Work In Progress
3) Adrenaline Rush
4) On The Inside
5) Broken Mirror
6) I’m Your Boogie Dude
7) The Bastard Son of Disco Dan
8) The Long Road
9) Windows of Heaven
10) Making An Impression
11) It’s All About The Bling
12) Bodega; 13) Close To You

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

USA

"With a clear classic rock and early-Satch influence throughout...this makes for an enjoyable listen for any self-respecting fan of the solo rock guitarist."