Incredible six-string virtuosity
guitar junkie | 02/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having listened to much of Landrum's work over the years, I came across this Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck review of Landrum's latest effort-- Living Digits. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Have you ever hear of the term melodic shredding? I cannot say that I have but I have someone here that does it, and very well. His name is Will Landrum. And let me add that there is much more to his sound than that one frame of reference.
The Living Digits CD is a testimonial for a life long love affair with the six-string and getting the optimal sound and enjoyment from his instrument. Landrum likes the feel of the moment when he plays, the raw spontaneity of cutting loose on the guitar and letting those creative juices flow. I could have realized that by listening to the music the first time around but I got it right from the horse's mouth as they say, via some lengthy e-mail conversations. I learned quite a bit about this artist, which made my listening experience much more enriching. As I write this tonight, I am listening for the fourth time and loving every minute of it.
Landrum offers eight instrumental rockin' tracks that reflect life long influences and a straight ahead playing style that does not compromise the strong sense of commitment to his craft nor does it strive for perfection. I simply cannot pick a favorite on this CD; I loved every track. As Will takes you on a guided tour of the six-string and all of its sounds and subtleties, each individual composition fully develops and unfolds while you listen. To say this dude rocks is putting it mildly and he even has a resemblance to Robert Plant, which should not hurt in the popularity department.
When you look at this recording in retrospect, what you get is a solid dose of classic rock, metal, and blues all wrapped into one tight package. Landrum sites Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore as a major influence and you can hear that loud and clear, particularly on the track "Fill In The ___." The following track is the closer "Perfection Of The Bride," it is a beautiful acoustic composition and actually the only non-electric track on the album. It is something that Blackmore would play with his current band Blackmore's Night, one of my favorite recording artists. It seems fitting that the album winds down with a nice acoustic number after he boggles your mind with incredible six-string virtuosity and technical expertise in tracks 1-7.
1. Change Your Mind (4:28)
2. Fullness Of Time (4:17)
3. Shining Hope (4:11)
4. Hour Champion (4:38)
5. Mainstay (4:29)
6. Happy Are Those (4:06)
7. Fill In The _____ (4:36)
8. Perfection Of The Bride (3:37)
"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1