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The Everyday Guitar Gear of…

This category contains 20 posts

Psychojet

Contrasting players set to soar above the instrumental masses Instrumental rock is constantly building in popularity, but without lyrics, one of the key differentiators between good and bad instrumentals is whether it tells a story. Songs need a narrative, a sense of direction, purpose and structure. Fortunately, Northern Irish post-rockers Psychojet have one hell of … Continue reading

Andy Fosberry and Sunset Graves

Do-it-all guitarist working beyond the Graveyard Thanks to advances in music technology, more and more guitarists are going it alone: writing, producing, programming and playing all instruments themselves. But few do it better – or do more – than Andy Fosberry, otherwise known as Sunset Graves. His material spans everything from acoustic ballads through electronica … Continue reading

Max Bergen

From humble bass beginnings to eight-string success No matter how a player’s style may change and develop, you can tell a lot about a guitarist’s playing from his origins on the instrument. Max Bergen is one such example. He’s a passionate ambassador of the eight-string guitar, not to mention rhythm over technicality for the sake … Continue reading

Ryan Bruce (fluff191) and Black Metal Bicycle

Meticulous metal axeman gives gear demos a be-spoke twist Over the past few years, YouTube gear demos have become a bit of a big deal, regularly attracting thousands of views. But, while they’re a fantastic resource, these demos have a tendency to showcase the stifled creativity of the demonstrators – there are only so many … Continue reading

Tommy Kessler, Rock Of Ages and Blondie

From Broadway to Blondie: an axeman rocking across the ages Getting to the pro circuit takes years of hard work, mostly in sweaty bars, but, sometimes, the road that takes you there can be more glamorous than others. Tommy Kessler‘s career path is certainly that way inclined, going from New York’s Blue Man Group to … Continue reading

Clifton Carr and Grievances

Carving metal with an axe after giving up the sticks Not just content with writing a veritable arsenal of punishingly groove-heavy hardcore riffs, metal axeman Clifton Carr also managed to find his way into his favourite local band, Grievances from Warner Robins, Georgia, USA. “Grievances were around for six months or so and did a … Continue reading

Ian Jones, Jim Deacon and Kutosis

A post-punk guitar-bass relationship from the humblest of beginnings Sometimes, the integration between guitar and bass is so essential that to look at one apart from the whole would only be telling half the story. Such is the case with Cardiff alt-rockers Kutosis and their guitarist/singer Ian Jones and bassist (and occasional axeman) Jim Deacon, … Continue reading

Cameron Johnson and Atma Weapon

An arsenal of gear for an army of styles To put it simply, Cameron Johnson is a guitar-playing chameleon. While he melts faces in metal project Atma Weapon, he also has a master’s degree in Film Scoring and frequently adjusts his playing style, not to mention his gear, to fit the needs of his client. … Continue reading

Michael Garfield

Acoustic guitars, a floorful of pedals and an improvisatory philosophy When we play the guitar, we don’t often think about its position in the world or how it communicates in a philosophical sense – it’s more about how to best nail the next lick. However, for psychedelic acoustic-looping philosopher Michael Garfield, the player’s relationship with … Continue reading

Rhodri Viney, Ratatosk and Right Hand Left Hand

To say Rhodri Viney has been involved with a few bands in Cardiff is one hell of an understatement. He’s played a role in a staggering number of acts, including Stray Borders, Martin Carr, Sweet Baboo, Vito, Little My, Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, Sophia, Brave Captain, Cymbient and The Secret Show – the country side project … Continue reading