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No Hint Of Show Boating

Sadly it happens too often; a CD wings its way to you brandishing the label ‘virtuoso rock guitarist’ and what you are left listening to is an avalanche of relentless finger twiddling thats only purpose in life is to show off, happy to wave a smug grin at anyone and everyone whilst droning headlong into yet another solo. But for those who turn their nose up at the mere thought of surrender, the pay off has finally arrived. Nico’s Alchemy, named after Nico Tamburella, the lead guitarist, songwriter and driving force of the quartet in question, not so much side step the usual pitfalls more like leap effortlessly over them, as their blend of 70s classic rock merges with a blues addled soul that finds the perfect balance between guitar brilliance and plain old boring show boating.

Throwing the non guitarist enthusiast head first into the deep end, opener ‘No Time For Sadness’ immediately impresses as a melodic rush lures you in, exhibiting Tamburella’s guitar finesse in all its glory as you find yourself rightly in awe of his playing, rather than checking how much longer is left. From here in ‘Fundamental Darkness’ unfolds into an impressive lesson of classic 70s rock that sparks amazingly with a heavier, more modern nod to get the blood pumping. ‘It’s Enough’ bashes through aggressively, strutting confidently as singer Candido’s vocals threaten to scream menacingly at you throughout, whilst ‘Miss Sensation’ coolly pounds as Candido takes things down a few octaves to unleash a blues addled beast. Melodic rock is the key for Nico’s Alchemy; ‘Shine On’ soars with melodic grace as Tamburella’s guitar wizardry nips in and out between Candido’s inviting vocals.

With a foot firmly placed in the 70s, ‘Fundamental Darkness’ oozes classic rock from every vibe, which is no bad thing. Luckily though Nico’s Alchemy know that they are a few years away from that decade and have attempted to inject some semblance of modern rock into their style; ‘Save Me Jesus’ for instance booms with a rage that punches the track right into this century. Unfortunately though there are downsides to trying too hard to be modern and ‘A Leap In Space’ is the obvious fatality as experimenting seems to have gone a tad too far.

Nico’s Alchemy benefits from their accessibility no end. With Candido’s vocals partnering Tamburella’s guitar work, ‘Fundamental Darkness’ is more than just a collection of guitar workouts. For guitar nuts this is the album they have been dreaming about for years; for everyone else, ‘Fundamental Darkness’ will offer a nice glimpse into expert guitar playing with a melodic hook to hold your attention but after a while, it may be only the purists waiting on tender hooks for the next riff.