Reviewed by Andy Whitehead

This is Jeff Scheetz's eighth album and the renowned guitar maestro has toured with the likes of ZZ Top, ELO and Steve Vai, making Jeff and his cohorts here experienced veterans of the classic rock scene. Five of their previous albums have been entirely instrumental, and although this album contains lyrics on some of the tracks the band's love of instrumental music is clear throughout. The lyrics frequently take a back seat to the lengthy guitar solos and catchy rock riffs. The instrumental song "Crazy Horse," for example, feels like a five-minute guitar solo, and every second of it is engaging. That's not to say that the lyrics are bad, Matt Waddill (who also handles the funky bass lines) sings very competently. The band's website says that the album is an attempt to "capture the vibe of Hendrix and Zeppelin." Did they succeed? Yes. Is this a carbon-copy of other people's works? No. You could have told me that this album had been lost in the mid-'70s and only just found, and I would have believed you, commenting that it still sounds "fresh". The instrumental sections hold the listener's interest well despite the lack of lyrics (often not an easy task) and the guitar solos are emotional, skilful and plentiful. The recording is not the best quality, but the mix favours the driving guitars and it all adds to the illusion that this album is a classic rock '70s masterpiece. If you're into Hendrix and Led Zeppelin but often find yourself lamenting the fact that artists like this just aren't around any more, then 'Behind The Mask' is definitely for you.

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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