Reviewed by Phil Thomson

Is it possible that, once you have delivered a virtuoso performance, you've peaked? On 'Conradical' we are treated to a mesmerising display of solo electric guitar at its finest, with guitar, bass and drum programming under Conrad's control, occasionally supported by Messrs Darren Crome and Mark Thompson. Devon-based Harpham begins easy on the ears, but within just a few bars cuts loose, constructing the most breath-taking of fantasy worlds as he races through a virtual masterclass in the craft, undoubtedly never stopping to look up. Think Satriani rather than Santana. The impatient, driven "pieces" - with names like "Hippo Daze", "Cool 74" and "The Flautist Of Azkaba" - are reassuringly old-fashioned and mercifully free of post-production gimmickry, and as such are completely engaging, particularly at full volume. If you close your eyes and walk to the end of the garden, you could easily be at an early Greenbelt (you know who you are). While I'm not sure speed itself delivers any kind of emotional rush, we can't help but be caught up in all the excitement as his string-bending frenetic fret goes white hot. And there really isn't any other pace. Even in the most commercial of the seven tracks, "Fuse 05", Harpham simply cannot resist cranking it up beyond what the piece can take and it tends to lose its way. When track eight comes up, there's nothing on the sleeve to tell me it ever existed. And that about sums it up. This is axe territory, excellent, uncomplicated, full-on. And just a little dull by the end.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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