I can't help myself. I'm going to start this review at the end!. First of all if you haven't got a Pay Pal account open one now. Next go to the Cornford Amps web-site. Work your way via the menu to artist releases and hey presto you'll find Guthrie Govan's album "Erotic Cakes" and what's more you can order it via your newly created Pay Pal account. Don't hesitate ,just do it. A few days later the CD will come through your door and you'll stick it in your player and be in "six string heaven", guaranteed!.

Guthrie Govan was winner of "Guitarist Of The Year 1993" held by the influential and respected magazine," Guitarist". He went on to be transcriber for some of the challenging guitar pieces in "Guitar Techniques". He became guitarist in Asia and is currently in GPS the band formed when Asia reverted to being the original Asia again (don't ask, it's too complicated).

"Erotic Cakes" is a truly wonderful eleven classy guitar instrumentals. In the CD booklet Guthrie comments about each track which makes the listening experience even more interesting.

The album opens with "Waves". A glorious strident motif reminiscent of a synth like pattern forms the framework for Guthrie to "fly" around his fretboard. There is gorgeous inventive phrasing and his soloing is a true joy to hear. Inspiring stuff." Erotic Cakes" is up next. It has a muscular picked riff and dizzy and hypnotizing rhythms abound. It has quirky "robot" solo which raises a smile. Overall the track has a demonic fusion vibe to it." Wonderful Slippery Thing" has its origins back in 1993 when Guthrie submitted it as his entry for the "Guitarist Of The Year" competition. It has a lovely melody and has some great "jazzy" moments. It's a great track and has some superb controlled playing as well as some sensational technical phrases. "Ner Ner" is a nice fat slab of modern day guitar playing. Guthrie explains that the main melody is a tip of the hat to the playground phrase Ner,Ner Ne-Ner Ner. Once you hear it you'll understand it straightaway. There is a classical style break in the middle and also a very tasty and super spicy solo from guest guitarist Ritchie Kotzen (Poison, Mr. Big). There is a cool chill out solo towards the end of the track which really hits the spot and builds delightfully to a" wig out" solo. In fact it's just one wonderful solo after the other to the end and the whole vibe feels like a power trio having the time of their life." Fives" has a fantastic rhythm at its bedrock. It revolves around chordal stabs on the first, third and fourth beats of a five beat bar. It gives the listener the sensation of movement in a way that I've rarely encountered before. There are solo's of many styles in this song and each segment makes on feel as if one is looking out of the window of a train seeing the landscape pass by in the shape and form of notes. Hear the song and you'll understand within a few listens what I'm trying to describe. Guthrie's inspiration for this song came from listening to a couple of birds singing in the park (feathered ones!). Nothing rocks like "Mother Nature".

"Unkle Skunk" is a track which ambles along. It has sunny disposition and Guthrie demonstrates the wonders of the Whammy Pedal in a musical way that many artists who also use this pedal have never quite achieved. It has chirpy vibe with a little nod of the head to Steve Vai in Guthrie's choice of harmonies." Sevens" is a tasty track with wonderfully placed pinched harmonics to add zing and super slithery, extended legato tapped runs. It's a delight and Guthrie shows his technique is top of the pile. At 3.03 the track blasts wide open and Guthrie rocks out in a sort of Nuno meets Greg Howe sort of vibe." Eric" is dedicated to the memory of Eric Roche a guitarist who is missed greatly in the guitar community. In this track melody is king. It has a reflective quality and mood about it. The note choice and harmonies are at times beautiful. There is a delicate tapped/trilled pattern which is stunning in its delicacy. One feels Guthrie has put his heart and soul into this track. It is at times overwhelming in its beauty. "Slidey Boy" is a fusion style workout. The main guitar themes are played on a nylon strung guitar and the vibe is George Benson on steroids. Note choice is spellbinding. It's funky and most definitely fun.

"Rhode Island Shred" is a country guitar hoe-down. It's up-tempo and very, very crazy. Sort of Albert Lee's "Country Boy" gone mad. Second guest soloist "Bumblefoot" (Guns n Roses) puts in one of his trademark mad as a hatter solos on this track. Great fun. The closing track is "Hangover". Guthrie captures the mood of the morning after the night before perfectly. The shuffling drums with precision timed beats give the impression of a dull headache. The guitars go up and down with an almost lurching quality. The song goes around in circles melodically and keeps one stuck in the "uncomfortable" zone. A deceptively clever and original track. Special mention must go to Seth Govan (bass) who trades crazy licks with Guthrie to the end of the song.

This album is a marvelous example of guitar instrumental music. It's a tour de force of technique and style. Many people in the guitar world have been waiting patiently for Guthrie to finally get this record "out there". It has been unequivocally well worth the wait. I saw Guthrie live with Asia at Newcastle Opera House. He was given a solo spot and really "wowed" the crowd. It was plain to see we were in the prescience of an outstanding musician and guitarist. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect an album which can stand side by side with classic guitar albums like Steve Vail's "Passion And Warfare", Jeff Becks "Guitar Shop", Jason Beckers "Perpetual Burn", Joe Satriani's "Surfing With The Alien" or Steve Morse's "The Introduction". With "Erotic Cakes" Guthrie has shown he has the chops, songs and musicianship to earn his place on the high table of guitar rock.

Outstanding, sensational and most of all, for guitar players and lovers of great music, quite possibly essential listening. What are you waiting for? get along to the Cornford amps website and pick up this CD. Guthrie's "Erotic Cakes" are naughty, but so very very nice.

Let us know your views on 'Erotic Cakes'

Track List

Waves
Erotic Cakes
Wonderful Slippery Thing
Ner Ner
Fives
Uncle Skunk
Sevens
Eric
Slider Boy
Rhode Island Shred
Hangover