2008 © Patrik Carlsson
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Album reviews > PHRASEOLOGY
NEH RECORDS
Patrik Carlsson is probably the most interesting and promising guitarist out of Sweden since Yngwie or perhaps even before that. His extremely well developed skills in both composing as well as guitar playing will turn a lot of heads around. Until you have heard Patrik you haven't heard a thing! His main influence is probably Steve Vai but this is not Vai clone. In a world with far too many instrumental guitar albumsbeing released it may be uncertain if we need another one, but yes - this is an essential release. Don't miss this one! Patrik is also featured on Shawe Lane Remembered vol I and II but obvious that he saved his best work for his solo album.
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METAL EXPRESS
by: Dan Skiba
The adage stating “You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover” has never been truer than with this Carlsson CD. Here you have one of the most bland, colorless, uneventful album covers in the history of album covers … could indeed cause anyone to make the hasty initial impression that the instrumental music contained within likely suffers from similar anemia. Instead, cracking open this ugly Phraseology oyster is well worth violating your initial better judgment, because in doing so, listeners will indeed stumble upon a shiny musical pearl!
Hailing from Sweden, Carlsson has written a multi-dimensional, guitar-driven instrumental CD in Phraseology. There’s plenty of Metal here, but there’s also several tracks with Funky grooves, others exuding happiness and humor, and even a tinge or 2 of the Blues, Shit-Kickin’ Country, and Classical music styles. All of this musical eclecticism is driven by power-guitar play that has been purposefully mixed way at the forefront of each song, and smacks you right between the eyes with its energy and precision.
Carlsson, essentially a studio musician who has participated in a short dozen or so of different projects, lists Steve Vai as one of his primary influences. Sure, there’s plenty of Vai in Phraseology, but there’s also some Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, and Malmsteen tendencies demonstrated too. Carlsson, showing that he doesn’t take himself or his passions too seriously, also adds comedic voices every now and then to ensure the musical experience remains fun for the listener … and it works … there’s no doubt this album was intended to come across with an overall jovial temperament, especially with song titles such as “Mosquito,” “High Pitch,” and “Cartoon Hippie.”
Along with Carlsson’s guitar methods, the percussion work is also quite interesting. The likes of Satriani and Malmsteen have notoriously subdued the drum work in their albums in order to not drown out their guitar playing. Carlsson takes a different approach … more specifically, the drums sound like whomever is playing them is literally bludgeoning them as viciously as possible, delivering a truly severe beating to the drum kit throughout the lion’s share of this 15-set track listing. It’s certainly a nice change of pace to hear such percussion power and emphasis in a guitar-dominated instrumental CD.
Carlsson’s songs do a good job too of assimilating the feel of the track titles, and his guitar work sells all of his concepts. The CD is not without blemish, though. After starting out with 4 superb tracks, the 5th track, “Aeryn Sun” slows down the pace and gets a bit boring as Carlsson decides to hold extended notes a bit too often. Also, track 6, “Epsilon Indi,” is a Funky song, but has a drumbeat that doesn’t really follow the guitar line well. Carlsson regains his stride with track 7, “High Pitch” (thankfully), and never loses it again whilst bravely delving into various permutations of Metal/Miscellaneous Musical Genres.
Overall, Carlsson is at his best when he’s playing fast-paced, straightforward Metal instrumentals. His variations, though, keep this CD fresh and add layers of innovativeness that essentially work no matter what the musical flavor of the moment may be. Carlsson’s CD should appeal to a vast cross-section of Metalheadz, and can fulfill a number of purposes for an individual listener … obviously, like most instrumentals, Phraseology can justly serve as a one-on-one musical experience, but the light nature of many songs and stylistic variations make this a multi-functional CD - it can fire you up, get you in the mood for a night of boozing on the town, or serve as curious background music for virtually any upbeat social event. A definite keeper …
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A Swedish virtuoso Patrik Carlsson stressed Joe Satriani ans Steve Vai as their main influences. I don't hint that Patrik is the next clone of one of mentioned guitarists and hope you don't reason in so narrow terms, Dear Readers. I am pretty sure that much greater influence on Carlsson's development had Jocke Salinder who should be considered his music teacher.
Many reviewers compared "Phraseology" to Steve Vai's "Passion & Warfare", but I am absolutely sure that they did so, because it's the easiest solution. Well, Carlsson's music is as melodic as Vai's, but it's more "twisted" for sure. Here are progressive elements with fast fingering, some neoclassical touches and melodies you must fall in love with ("The Survivor"); summer composition written especially for holiday ("Still Believe"; let's imagine yourself a beach, sunny weather, palm trees, drink in your right hand, waves hitting at coast and taste Carlsson's musical dish), unusual country ("Twilight Zone"), romantic ballads ("Aeryn Sun", "Supernova"), and even a kind of odd mixture of funky rhythms and tango with Santana-esque feeling ("Epsilon Indi"). There is also a cover of Patrik's compatriot - Mattias IA Eklundh's "Lisa's Passion For Heavy Metal" which fits to Carlsson's original material very well.
Ladies and Gentlemen! It's a much different material than Vai's "Passion & Warfare"! Patrik has his own garden and there are enough original fruits to share them with open-minded listeners. "Phraseology" literally means "the manner in which something is expressed in words", but its paraphrase sounds the following: "Patrik's phraseology is the manner in which musician's emotions are expressed in tones". Yeah, Swedish guitarist should be enlisted next to the young generation's most gifted instrumentalists the likes of Anand Mahangoe, Faraz Anwar and Michael Orlando.
By: Mikolaj Furmankiewicz
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METAL HEART
This is written in Swedish only and no translate is available. I am very sorry about that...
by: Robert Ryttman
Här snackar vi musikalitet av rang. Patrik Carlsson är en skicklig gitarrist som gillar att visa upp sina färdigheter och på den här cd´n gör han det oavbrutet. Det är avancerat men samtidigt smakfullt, lekfullt, vackert och för den som är inne på Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani eller varför inte – Yngwie Malmsteen och Van Halen - är Patrik Carlsson en nödvändighet att upptäcka.
Phraseology är en instrumental platta och sådana tenderar alltför ofta att bli trista efter ett tag. Patrik Carlsson har dock hittat botemedlet mot tristessen, genom att variera sitt låtval till det yttersta. Här finns funk, rock, metal, prog, boogie, skitsnygga melodiska kompositioner som doftar Carlos Santana och till och med lite fingerpickin´ country. Det går fort som ett expresståg emellanåt, är tillbakalutat och mjukt vid andra tillfällen och fullsmockat av sköna effekter och ljud som man knappt trodde var möjliga att tvinga ur en gitarr.
Dessutom har Patrik kryddat anrättningen med humor - oftast via samplade röster - vilket kanske är ännu ovanligare inom genren. Lika fullt är det ett charmigt grepp som gör att plattan inte känns så jävla självupptagen, träig och pretentiös som annars kan vara fallet med ekvilibristiska instrumentalplattor av hyperseriösa konstnärer.
Phraseology tillfredställer lystmätet hos såväl personer med kärlek för hårdrock som prog, för gitarronanister naturligtvis, men också för den som bara vill njuta av en vacker och välspelad melodi med mängdvis av känsla. Att inte falla för de vackrare melodierna på Phraseology kräver ett hjärta av sten eller brist på musikaliskt öra. Dessutom är ljudet på plattan så klart, rent och dynamiskt att bara det borde dra en större lyssnarskara till skivan.
Jag vet inte om Patrik Carlsson har några ambitioner att tillhöra världseliten bland gitarrhjältar, men får den här plattan den uppmärksamhet den förtjänar lär han hamna där uppe bland John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Yngwie, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Vai, Santana och de övriga. Allt annat vore vansinne.
Rating: 9/10
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PILGRIM WORLD
Swedish guitar player, Patrik Carlsson, has been a relatively unknown musician. His first release from Lion Music, Phraseology, features lots of interesting guitar licks, ideas, and incredible chops. Like most Lion Music artists and musicians, Patrik's guitar chops and musical ideas are really extraordinary and fabulous indeed. Phraseology contains lots of varied guitar-oriented instrumentals. Patrik Carlsson is really good at Steve Vai/Joe Satriani style technical performance, yet he showcases different styles, such as rock, funk, neo-classical, hard fusion on the each track, and has executed really well. As you know the guitar instrumental music tends to get very serious and hard to absorb many notes and information, but he adds his own charms and magic into his music. However, Patrick's case is slightly different. Uniquely, Patrik incorporates amazing chops with wit and humour to entertain. While I am impressed with his songwriting and performance, the tunes of his creations make me smile. These elements might remind you of Freak Kitchen. Overall, I have nothing to complain about his guitar playing at all. I wish he will continue creating interesting guitar playing. If he forms a band with skilled players in the future, more interesting would be coming out.
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PROGPOWER
Many great guitar players did not go to a school and learn to play so good. No most of them taught themselves how to play, although a certain amount of education from a teacher is helpful. 15 year old Patrik Carlsson had an acoustic guitar, had learned how to play two songs, but was not accepted at a music school he tried to get into. A year later he discovered Steve Vai and especially the album Passion and Warfare made a huge impression on him (coincidently also the first Vai album I ever heard). He set himself to learn to play just as good as Vai and studied his ass off. Now, some 10 years later, Patrik Carlsson has his own studio, worked on several albums and now brings out his latest work, a solo album called Phraseology (no references to Prince here).
The first thing I noticed, was the Satriani/Vai influence. His use of funky but crunchy riffs and various sound effects, gave it a familiar sound to me. On the Jimi Hendrix tribute album he also contributed a few songs and already then I picked up some serious Satriani sounds in one song, but the other two sounded really good and so far I really love his album. It is far better than any of the other instrumental guitar albums I heard the past months. Carlsson plays with great easy and pleasure and this is noticeable in the songs. I like the sound effects, as this brings some humor in the music.
Carlsson’s guitar play is fantastic, funky, fast, crunchy, heavy and harmonious, how do you describe the sound of the guitar? However you describe it, he plays on the same level as Satriani or Vai, he is just not as known as them. Besides his amazing play, I also like the song titles, as they also say a lot about how he is. What do you think of ’Exptoc Bossa’? This song would almost fit the Copa Cabana! Or ’Andrea - It’s X-mas’, Carlssons version of a children’s song, which is really good. ’Lisa’s Passion for Heavy Metal’ is short, but nice and heavy, with some nice twists. Last but not least: ’Cartoon Hippie’, really hilarious, with some cartoon effects and some cool, heavy riffs.
Mind you it is just Carlsson and his guitar, in the background you do hear some drums, but most likely they come out of a computer. Which is OK, as the album is about Patrik Carlsson and his guitar and I think he has succeeded in telling his story. Great album, lot’s of Satriani / Vai influences, but has enough original play and material to stand on his own legs. He gets my vote, for sure, for this fantastic album. He is definitely one of the better guitar players around and I think he should be included in the next G3 shows…let Vai or Satriani play some of HIS stuff!
Added: August 11th 2004
Reviewer: MarcelH
Score: **** (4/5)
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Rating: 9.3/10 at CRAP CORNER
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LORDS OF METAL
by Vera
While reading the extended biography of Patrik Carlsson, one thing is becoming clear: since the time he was fifteen he only had one dream: becoming a crack on the guitar, and if possible just as good as his idol Steve Vai. I don't think there was a place for anything else in the young life of this boy. Even the jobs he had all have something in common, they were music-allied, like music consultant or music teacher.
He proofs that with the combination of talent and perseverance one can climb any mountain, for nowadays there is still the guitar (or a huge number of guitars) and he has got his own studio, where he recorded his first album 'Phraseology' (the way of expressing himself). And one thing we can be sure of: he lets the guitar do the talking.
The big risk of an instrumental, guitar-oriented album is monotony. Patrik has tried to avoid this by choosing another style for every track. The album begins with a tribute to maybe the most pioneering guitar player all times, Jimi Hendrix. Then Carlsson shows us his fast, nimble techniques in 'The Survivor', followed by a slower one 'Still Believe'. One can perceive country elements in 'Twilight Zone', while 'Aeryn Sun' has some reminiscence with Santana's famous style. But also jazz, fusion and funk influences are not shunned. Carlsson is familiar with all of it, and his guitar-play is irreproachable. It may be hard to follow the cascade of notes rolling out of your boxes. It all sounds perfect but maybe a little clinical. Best thing to do is divide the album in several parts, if you listen to only a few tracks at one session, the danger for excess has disappeared.
Rating 75/100
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ROCKRADIO
New HOT guitarist!
Hot as hell is Patrik Carlsson who is about to release his debut album "Phraseology" on July 23. Partik is perhaps the best guitarist we have heard from of Sweden since Yngwie...We are sure that Patrik will turn a lot of heads around. This is definitely one of the best guitar albums ever! Patrik is influenced by Steve Vai and just like Steve he really has got some killer chops, a great sense of humour and knows how to write a good song!
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EUROPEAN PROGRESSIVE ROCK REVIEWS
Patrik Carlsson from Sweden states : "Since 1998 I have built up my own studio and recorded about 10 CD's with different projects. Today I'm recording, playing the guitar and I am satisfied with everything in my life, except that I don't make any money on my music, I mean big money. But you know, I just play for fun and will be continuing with the music anyway! ".
Without a doubt, Patrik Carlsson is a talented guitarist who is influenced by Steve Vai. This latest release has some good moments, these are for the most part limited to the quieter tracks when he lets the emotion run through his fingers, i.e. "Still Believe", "Twilight Zone" and "Aeryn Sun". The problem with this album is that it lacks any directional flow as Patrik flits from rock, country, jazz, blues, metal and back again. The consequence of this is that it doesn't encourage listener involvement. Also, the rather naked guitar is a bit overbearing and harsh in the mix, hence the sparse background instrumentation plays no important role in the proceedings. This album needs more colour and a bigger background platform. Patrik needs to hone his enthusiasm for too many influences.
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HEAVY METAL RESOURCE
Swedish guitarist Patrik Carlsson releases an instrumental album containing 15 very diverse tracks. Carlsson has been playing for a while and is definitely influenced by Steve Vai. He admits this in his bio. With that kind of an influence you know how diverse I might be talking about when it comes to his track lineup. I think Carlsson has good technique in his music and has a way with his writing to make it fun to listen to as well. This definitely can be a rare feat to accomplish as there are a lot of instrumental guitar hero types out there and a very finicky fan base. One of the hardest markets to break into for sure.
Lets take a look at the music. 'Jimi's Tribute' opens the album and the comparisons to Vai are apparent immediately. By the second track things change a bit as I mentioned. 'The Survivor' has an equal intensity of rhythm and lead. Then is slows down a bit with the track 'Still Believe'. This is exactly why I like this disc. We are three tracks in and have heard three different sounds. 'Still Believe' comes off sounding like something Satriani may do. Has that finesse to it. Now you might think that 'Twilight Zone' would sound one way, it doesn't. This tune embraces a quick picking country sound. You are starting to see the diversity I was talking about. 'Aeryn Sun' is laid back in nature and then the groove kicks in with the funky 'Epsilon Indi'. Maybe a slight touch of tribal. The track 'High Pitch' continues groove with a Vai sounding flair to it. Kind of a clinic on how to do a solo with effect added in. Sounds pretty cool. Next we have more funk for you with 'Mosquito'. I always liked a bit of funk in my rock. Once again sounds a bit Vai - ish. You gotta love the harps in the appropriately titled 'Guardian Angel'. This song has a very catchy beat to it that makes it instantly accessible. 'Supernova' is kind of like a soundtrack to a dream. Very light and dreamy in nature. One of the lightest tracks on the album, but equally as good. Had me remembering Gary Moore's 'The Loner' for some reason. Maybe it was the slight build up in tempo. Very solid track. 'Exotic Bossa' would have you thinking island music right away, or at least thats what it had me thinking. The sound is kind of exotic sounding and experimental, and maybe a bit progressive. Next up, 'Smooth Rider'. This track almost reminds me of something you would here off of a David Lee Roth album, just minus DLR. Could be that familiar Vai sound? 'Andrea, It's X-mas' is interesting. Has the Christmas vibe which is a no brainer. Maybe seasonal listening. One of my favorites is definitely 'Lisa's Passion for Heavy Metal' Gotta love those grinding rhythms mixed with a flurry of solos. Very intense sound for an instrumental. Then we get to the last track. This one is a hoot. 'Cartoon Hippie' is it's name and having fun is it's game. Narrarated by the cartoon hippie I presume and just an all out funkadelic sound. Probably the funnest track on the disc!
Overall
I am just like everyone else. An istrumental album has to stand out. This album definitely does. I went track by track for a reason. To show diversity and also, because I really liked everything I heard on the disc. Carlsson is not only a talented guitarist, but is also a gifted songwriter. As I mentioned, there has to be something a little extra than just showing off to bring in more fans than normal and this album has the possibilities of doing just that. Very nicely done!
Reviewed by Dave Palmer
http://rockindude.homestead.com
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STARK MUSIC
This is written in Swedish only and no translate is available. I am very sorry about that...
Sverige är begåvat med mången duktig gitarrist. Kul att kunna presentera en till. Jag recenserade för ett tag sedan Patrics demo FigStamper och till min stora glädje har natt nu blivit uppsnappade av Lion Music. Demon var i princip en platta klar att släppas, men inte har Patric slutat jobba för det. Här finns vissa drag av Steve Vai i hans ton och lekfullheten. Även tekniken har vissa drag av Steve Svaj. Patric gör även en egen suverän tolkning av IAs "Lisa’s Passion For Heavy Metal", vilket borgar för att grabben vet vad han gör. En förbannat bra gitarrplatta med tyngd, passion, bra gitarrspel, inlevelse, känsla och humor. Väl värd att inhandlas!
Janne Stark
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METAL MARCH
By Crepusculo
I was never too much into instrumental albums, I don't really know why, I just always felt that the music was "incomplete", if you know what I mean. But when you really think about it, the vocals are just like another instrument, so if I'm able to enjoy any album without one particular instrument, why should one without vocals be any different? Nonetheless, I still miss the vocals a little more than any other instrument, but that's me. It doesn't mean at all that I dislike instrumental music or anything like that.
Anyway, what I hold on my hands is the latest album from Patrik Carlsson entitled "Phraseology". I have to say that I haven't heard of him before, but he's actually considered to be the best guitarist from Sweden since Yngwie. His main influence is probably Steve Vai, but Patrik Carlsson has his own sound style, so don't expect any Vai clone.
He's able to create songs for every taste, it's actually quite impressive. From Country to Rock, you name it. Still, his Metal songs are definitely what turns his music much more appealing, at least to me.
There are also a couple of cool sounds effects that add a little humour to the music, specially in the last songs of the album.
There isn't much more I can add about Patrik Carlsson "Phraseology". It's not only very well done in terms of the guitars, it also has a lot of diversity since you can find a lot of elements from other genres besides Metal, which makes this a very well crafted album.
I was never too much into instrumental albums, like I've already said, but this one is actually quite nice to my ears!
Rating: 8
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...more reviews will be added if anyone finding them... ? Or will anyone read this line at all ?
