Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
You can howl at the moon all you want, but only the wolf in human skin can feel the pull of our nearest celestial body to such an extent that the fur on the inside shows it natural bare teeth and smiling instinct to emerge, that the entertainer, the performer, the icon will not just howl, but will sense the muscles tense and ripple, the sinews expand, the eyes become clearer, brighter, more in tune with nature, and that howl is heard around the world, filling the void, making others listen to the music of a master.
Paul Gilbert is to be assured as a leader of the pack, not only fondly remembered for all he has contributed to Rock, but with an expression that makes millions scream in joy, whether there is a moon or not to guide them, there is still the mighty presence of the co-founder of Mr. Big to urge them on, to shed the skin of conformity, and embrace the wolf inside.
In Paul Gilbert’s latest solo album, the exceptional Werewolves of Portland, that presence has come back fighting, the grip of the intangible that billions faced and fought in the last 15 months has been replaced by a piece of art so spectacular, so thrilling and passionate, that the fans and casual listeners alike will arguably see the project for what it is, a solo performance of absolutes and unconditional surges that scrap and brawl for every drop of attention possible; it succeeds without a sign of hesitation among the ranks and tracks that make up this 16th solo studio recording.
“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness.”, and where madness flows, so to genius does it lead, and through instrumental tracks such as the opening brilliance of Hello! North Dakota, and ploughing majestically straight through passion plays as Professorship at the Leningrad Conservatory, the understanding of I Wanna Cry (Even Though I Ain’t Sad), the excellent A Thunderous Ovation Shook The Columns and the finale of the punchy and superb (You Would Not Be Able To Handle) What I Handle Everyday, the words of one of America’s greatest poets, Allen Ginsberg, insist upon the world that greatness is the howl at the moon that resounds across the sky, and that the madness we all seek to inhabit, is let loose of the leash with pride.
Werewolves of Portland is that dance of genius, that of guitar howling in heat, and a musician to whom Time once again smiles fortune upon.
Paul Gilbert releases Werewolves of Portland on June 4th via The Players Club.
Ian D. Hall