Remember when your parents told you to do something with your life, and you blew them off? Well, Mr. McStine evidently did not. In fact, he's done more in his short life than many of us can hope to accomplish before we get our dentures. Randy McStine (named for Randy Rhodes) started playing guitar at the ripe old age of 5, and hasn’t looked back since. Releasing his first record at 12 (and writing 6 of the 9 songs himself) gave him a unique hold on the musical world. Some would call him ‘prodigy’, some would call him just plain awesome. This release is not just another ‘shredder’ having his way with six strings; it is a fine example of what instrumental guitar music should sound like.

“Guitarizm” is a very unique record for the genre. Randy doesn’t overplay on any of it. There are plenty of groove-oriented riffs and changes to go along with his scorching leads so as not to lose the listener in a sea of guitar blizzardry. He doesn’t play all the instruments and he doesn’t program any drums. He simply concentrates on his songwriting and guitar work. Yes, there are nods to SATRIANI, and VAI, but also moments recalling PLANKTON and LOCOMOTIVE BREATH as well. The structures and fullness will suck you right into the tunes. “Zarcon” and “Sonic Boom” are fine examples of the tasteful, well-written, guitar rock that abounds here. I guess it must be something about how young he is that makes the overall sound so pure and real.

Randy has surrounded himself with a great bass player and a superior drummer so the music doesn’t sound manufactured and stale. Every song sounds full and robust, and the production is top-notch. Effects like the piano and church bells in “Vibrant Lights” come in loud and clear (so clear in fact that Randy’s guitar seems to take a back seat). Ironically, many older musicians lack the reserve and poise that McStine already possesses.

So now he’s 17. Shit, what have I been doing with my life? if there is one more instrumental guitar record you buy, make it this one, it’s worth it. Hell, the kid’s gotta go to college. Maybe we can write the price of the disc off as a charitable donation or something.

-Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/randymcstine

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Six String Whiplash

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