Truth In Shredding

Plini: Plini and Sungazer at Electric Bristol

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:50:48 GMT

Concert Review: Plini + Sungazer at Electric Bristol

It has been a while since I last saw Plini (Plini Roessler-Holgate); that was at the more intimate Fleece venue here in Bristol. This time, Plini is touring in support of his highly anticipated latest album, An Unnameable Desire (released April 24, 2026)—a release I have been eagerly awaiting. Ably supported by the terrific fusion-oriented ensemble Sungazer, the show took place at Electric Bristol. As a premier venue with a capacity of over 1,100, the room was packed tonight with fans eager to see what both acts would deliver. They proved to be perfectly suited to complement one another on the bill.

The Main Event: Plini

An Unnameable Desire, Plini's third full-length, 10-track record, features a blend of his signature melodic progressive instrumentals alongside a broad array of guests. The live set effectively highlighted material from the new album, balanced perfectly with expected fan-favourite highlights from his earlier releases.

https://plini.bandcamp.com/album/an-unnameable-desire

Plini was ably assisted by an incredible live band:
Jake Howsam Lowe: Rhythm and co-lead guitar (also of The Helix Nebula)
Simon Grove: Bass (also of The Helix Nebula and a highly sought-after studio producer)
Chris Allison: Drums (Though it must be said, Allison was occasionally difficult to spot behind the kit due to the atmospheric, heavily smoke-machine-driven stage production!)

Plini continues to possess the magic touch for creating memorable instrumentals, achieving a level of musicality akin to legendary players like Joe Satriani. His playing is never over-indulgent; there is restraint, yet plenty of technique, legato, tapping, and vocal-like phrasing. This sophistication makes him a cut above the standard shred crowd. Plini commanded the soloing effortlessly from centre stage, delivering luxurious notes from his satin-black Strandberg guitar.

In the corner, Jake Howsam Lowe appeared unassuming on his Aristides guitar before unleashing a torrent of melodic, blisteringly fast notes. The heavily bearded Lowe demonstrated mighty, impressive chops, and he rightly got his moments to shine throughout the set.

The band possessed a muscular live feel, driven by Allison's drumming and Grove's super-tight bass assault. This rhythmic engine room offered plenty of kick-drum punch and six-string bass fidelity. Combined with Lowe's stunning guitar solos and arpeggiated chordal work, the entire ensemble was phenomenal. Plini must be thrilled with his live band, and the crowd certainly was, headbanging and cheering loudly during the elevated performances.

The audience was enthralled and jubilant, thoroughly captivated by the exquisite performance. At one point, Plini even led the crowd in a playful, farmyard-style call-and-response session featuring loud cow moos, rooster crows, and eccentric extra-terrestrial noises from the hyped-up crowd. This light-hearted interaction seamlessly transitioned into a friendly mosh pit as the show went on.

The staging was brilliant tonight. While there may have been a bit too much fog for the photographers, the lighting and the Plini-designed stage setup were next-

level, showcasing his continuous evolution as an artist. Before long, the set neared its end, closing appropriately with the crowd-favourite "Electric Sunrise"—a fitting choice for Electric Bristol. The show wrapped up with the audience wanting more, evident as the queue for the merchandise table quickly built up.

The Opening Act: Sungazer

Up first was a musician's dream: Sungazer. The band features renowned YouTuber and accomplished musician Adam Neely, alongside Berklee-trained guitar virtuoso Joshua De La Victoria (whom I have followed since his early days with Joseph Anidjar). The line-up also featured saxophonist Jared Yee and the excellent Shawn Crowder on drums.

Having missed their first release and their previous shows at Trinity Hall and ArcTanGent, I was determined to make up for my tardiness. These are top-tier musicians who truly know how to command a stage. Suited and booted in matching blue-and-white tie-dye uniforms, they arranged themselves in a line across the front of the stage—akin to Meshuggah—and largely held these imposing positions for the duration of the set.

These guys know exactly how to play. The saxophone effectively carried the melodic vocal lines, while the bass and drums propelled the band forward. De La Victoria unleashed incredibly fluid lines on what appeared to be a fanned-fret Iconic seven-string guitar. Later in the set, he switched to a cream-coloured Abasi eight-string. Make no mistake: he is not playing djent; he is delivering top-of-the-line fusion. I was so entranced by the performance that I found myself frantically switching to video to capture it.

Jared Yee brings a sense of King Crimson to my mind in their prog fusion pomp, definitely an amazing player and you know the roots of these guys when they play a tune from Return to Forever to close the show.

Neely, standing over six feet tall, cast a striking, muscular figure on stage. For any remaining doubters, he delivered the musical goods with aplomb, providing undeniable propulsion to this jazz-fusion ensemble. This is exactly where he belongs: in front of a live audience.

Merch: https://sungazermusic.bandcamp.com/

Final Thoughts

At the end of the gig, I marched out, grabbed my merchandise (two t-shirts and two vinyl's), and called it a day, happy in t

he knowledge that three more Plini vinyl's are already on their way in the mail. I told myself that this was certainly a night for the memory banks.

If you have the chance to catch this tour, I highly recommend securing a ticket. If you love music and top-tier musicianship, you will not be disappointed.

All photos copyright Laurie Monk

Jimmy Oliveira: It's Not Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:21:05 GMT

Jimmy Oliveira - It's Not Easy Third song from the album "The first Ending"

JIMMY OLIVEIRA - It's Not Easy

jAki: Rock Fusion Solo - Aksa（Cintaku-Chrisye） - neuraldsp

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:20:09 GMT

I Covered ‪@akbarajie1324‬ ‘s Amazing Rock Fusion Solo (Cintaku-Chrisye）!

Gears：
Quad Cortex Mini
Ibanez Tqm1

My Tone：
https://cloud.neuraldsp.com/cloud/u/jAki

jAki丨Amazing Rock Fusion Solo -Aksa（Cintaku-Chrisye）

Neil Peart: "Instamatic" Tracking Session With Vertical Horizon!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:19:06 GMT

Watch Neil Peart's "Instamatic" Tracking Session With Vertical Horizon!

Carl Roa: The Art of Improvisation Ep. 1 - Making the Changes #guitar #musician

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:18:41 GMT

Join me for the first lesson in this new series focused on mastering guitar improvisation and taking your playing to the next level!

In this lesson, you'll learn how to target the right notes to outline the harmony and move beyond basic scales. Whether you’re a blues or rock player, these techniques will help bring your improvisation to the next level by highlighting the "flavor" notes of every chord.
Support the channel + get exclusive content:

🎸 Join me on Patreon: / carlroa

The Art of Improvisation Ep. 1 - Making the Changes #guitar #musician

Russ Parrish: Satchel Hot Rods His Signature Charvel Guitar

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:14:26 GMT

Satchel hot rods his signature Charvel with Sweetwater-exclusive Fishman Fluence Highway 30 pickups. Head to Sweetwater to pick up a set for yourself! 👉 https://sweetwater.sjv.io/L02M5V
  Chapters:
00:00 — Desperation: Satchel Needs Bowcott’s Help
00:49 — Installing Fishman Fluence Highway 30 Pickups at Sweetwater’s Guitar Repair Shop with Lucas Glover
01:19 — Mini Switch Installation for a Trio of On-tap Tones
02:20 — Shreddin’ with Satchel
03:01 — Voice 1: Powerful & Punchy | Playing Example
03:28 — Voice 2: Scorching ’80s Bite | Playing Example
05:08 — Voice 3: Precise, Clean Eddie-style Sonics | Playing Example
06:08 — “You Really Can’t Get a Bad Tone”
07:09 — Satchel’s Final Verdict
07:21 — Outro & Play-out    Subscribe and follow for the latest gear news and giveaways! 👉
   Subscribe and follow for the latest gear news and giveaways! 👉
/ @sweetwater
  After you watch, visit Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/shop
Satchel Hot Rods His Signature Charvel Guitar: Cutting-edge Heat, Time-tested Tones

Desirée Lux: Octavarium - killer Solo Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:11:48 GMT

My favorite guitar solo, without a doubt. Petrucci's playing on this track is magical.
Hope you like the cover and that I did it some justice ❤️‍🔥

For this cover, I used Neural DSP's Archetype: Petrucci X.
Beautiful tones.

Dream Theater - Octavarium - Solo Cover (Razor's Edge)

George Lynch: So You Think You Can Shred Contest - MORC 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:05:25 GMT

George Lynch hosts the amateur shred contest judged by a panel of guitarists at the Q Smokehouse during the Monsters of Rock Cruise.

Shot with an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

I apologize for some of the audio issues. It gets hard to hear when they don't speak loud enough in the microphone, especially with the bar a few feet behind me.

So You Think You Can Shred Contest - MORC 2026

Edoardo Taddei: The IMPOSSIBLE solo

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:04:52 GMT

The IMPOSSIBLE solo #guitar #guitarsolo #guitarshredding #guitarist #metal #jasonbecker #ibanez

Kaori Hirohara, Kozo Suganuma: HORIZON / KK-CORE at Okayama MO:GLA in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:57:36 GMT

This is a performance at the KK-CORE gig on December 28, 2012.

[Music information]
Title : HORIZON
Composer : Kaori Hirohara
JASRAC work code : 249-4855-1

[Performers]
Kaori Hirohara (Org, Key) https://kao-riko.com/
Kozo Suganuma (Ds) http://www.kozosuganuma.com/

HORIZON / KK-CORE at Okayama MO:GLA in 2012

Luca Mantovanelli: Signature Guitar LM10 | Ibanez

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:55:27 GMT

https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/detail/lm10_1p_01.html

Luca Mantovanelli - Signature Guitar LM10 | Ibanez

Paul Gilbert: Boku No Atama

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:54:47 GMT

Space Ship One is Paul Gilbert’s 2005 solo album, a work that highlights his artistic growth following his time with MR.BIG and Racer X. The album blends hard-rock energy with melodic, hook-driven songwriting, showcasing both his signature guitar virtuosity and his versatility as a vocalist. Featuring tracks such as the fast and catchy title song “Space Ship One,” the playful “Every Hot Girl Is a Rockstar,” and the standout instrumental “G9,” the album has a lively, raw sound that captures the spirit of classic guitar rock. Joined by Linus of Hollywood on bass and Marco Minnemann on drums, Gilbert delivers a record that remains an important milestone in his solo career, combining technical brilliance with memorable, engaging songwriting that continues to resonate with fans.

Album "Space Ship One" : https://lnk.to/PaulGilbert-SpaceShipOne
Connect with Paul: https://bio.to/PaulGilbert
Connect with evoXS: / evoxsnet
#paulgilbert #guitar #playthrough #pgm401 #marshall #MRBIG #rock

Paul Gilbert - Boku No Atama

Jack Gardiner: First Train Home

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:51:52 GMT

💥 DEBUT ALBUM KINTSUGI IS OUT NOW: https://jackgardiner.com/
30% OFF SALE ON ALL LESSON PRODUCTS

Guitar - Jack Gardiner
Composition + Arrangement - Jack Gardiner
Production + Mix - ‪@Owane‬
Master - Owane

Filming and Video Edit by Toshiki Shibata https://toshikishibata.com/

Jack Gardiner - First Train Home

Amar Alhoch: ballads are better - When the Tears Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:50:31 GMT

Someone recently told me to "never create music for others" "you should always do it for you". So I wrote yet another piece for others; for those grieving; for those who needs it.

About the music:
"When the Tears Fall" by Amar Alhoch is out everywhere. The song represents the journey of a difficult experience or loss. There are three distinct sections in the song. The beginning resembles the heartache, "when the tears fall". The string section in the middle transitions to the section section representing the days when the tears finally stop and the stage of acceptance begins. This is "when the storm passes". This finally leads to the heightened intensity in the final section which represents the overwhelming emotions that come "when the memories resurface". It's the feelings and memories you carry with you as you strive to move forward.

Thank you to everyone for listening! Sharing this with a friend goes a long way.

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/amaralhoch/when-the-tears-fall-3

ballads are better - When the Tears Fall original song

Erik Bickerstaffe: Loathe Introduces The New Electromatic Baritone

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:49:02 GMT

Unleashing the all-new Electromatic Baritone CVT + Jet with Loathe guitarist Erik Bickerstaffe, performing their new track “Revenant.”
A low-strung take on a classic Gretsch design, the Baritone CVT features a solid mahogany body with beveled contours, Twin Six humbucking pickups that deliver gut-punching power with remarkable balance and articulation, an elongated 27” scale-length on the CVT, and a 29.75” scale-length bolt-on maple neck on the Jet. See all the specs: https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/collection/electromatic

Descend into uncharted depths and expand your sound.

Connect with Loathe: https://loatheasone.co.uk/

Loathe Introduces The New Electromatic Baritone CVT + Jet | Gretsch Guitars

Song Momaria: LOST IN RIO + Somewhere Over The Rainbow

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:37:20 GMT

Somewhere Over The Rainbow #Impeller #SONGYeonji #guitar

GUTHRIE GOVAN (LOST IN RIO)

Michael Tang: “NUX NeXt Global Guitar Contest 2026 Round 1｜" #nux #nuxnext

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:34:16 GMT

“NUX NeXt Global Guitar Contest 2026 Round 1｜Michael Tang" #nux #nuxnext

Syu, Mikio Fujioka, Takayoshi Ohmura, Leda Yuto: Japanese Guitar Gods JAM Session

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:33:14 GMT

Guitar Jam Session 2006

Guitarristas:
Syu(Galneryus)
Mikio Fujioka(Babymetal) R.I.P
Takayoshi Ohmura(Babymetal)
Leda Yuto(Babymetal)
Yu-Ya Akira Bass of Tsui(ExGalneryus)

⚡ Japanese Guitar Gods JAM Session 🎸 | Ultimate Shred Battle

Richard Daudé: Inside a Fusion Guitar Solo (Real-Time Analysis)

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:31:47 GMT

Inside a Fusion Guitar Solo (Real-Time Analysis)

Phil Short: NUX NeXt Global Guitar Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:29:24 GMT

Nux artist Phil Short gives you a demo of the competition track and some quick tips to explore for your own solo. Good luck!

NUX NeXt Global Guitar Contest | Phil Short gives you his top tips for a killer solo

Tom Quayle: Why You Still Can’t Play What You Hear?

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:28:22 GMT

Why You Still Can’t Play What You Hear? FIx it NOW with 'RESOLVE - REACTIVE EAR TRAINING' App!

Eddie Kramer: Recording the Gods of Rock with Rick Beato

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:23:04 GMT

In this interview, I sit down with legendary audio engineer and producer Eddie Kramer. We discuss his ridiculously impressive discography, crafting the iconic psychedelic rock sounds of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

Eddie Kramer: Recording the Gods of Rock

Misha Mansoor: Found His Lost Jackson Juggernaut

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:12:43 GMT

What happens when a lost signature guitar suddenly turns up at a Guitar Center? Periphery’s Misha Mansoor’s “first edition” signature Jackson USA Juggernaut HT7 went missing—and later resurfaced at a Guitar Center in Florida. This is the story of how Mansoor was reunited with his very special guitar.

In this video, you’ll learn:
• Why this original Jackson USA Juggernaut HT7 has so much mojo
• How the prototype Bare Knuckle Ragnarok pickups shaped future models
• The pickup position Mansoor never uses

MISHA MANSOOR EXPLAINS WHY HIS FIRST JUGGERNAUT IS SO SPECIAL

“I was so bummed I might never see this guitar again. I used to record and play live with it all the time, as evidenced by the dings and dents all over the body. It’s a very special guitar, as it has a rare combination of the Silver Burst finish—which we don’t do anymore—and a fingerboard inlay by Fender Master Builder Ron Thorn.”

How Misha Mansoor Found His Lost Jackson Juggernaut at Guitar Center

Tory Slusher: Yet another DnB flavored guitar solo...

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:07:21 GMT

Yet another DnB flavored guitar solo...

Brett Garsed: The incredible HIDDEN Solo

noreply@blogger.com (Laurie Monk) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:05:23 GMT

Brett Garsed was only 19 when he recorded this one take solo for John Farnham's 1986 smash hit, You're The Voice. Almost inaudible in the mix for four decades, you can now see and hear exactly what he plays in this exclusive video for Guitar World.
https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/artist-lessons/brett-garsed-youre-the-voice-solo
4:35 Ex 1 - F major arpeggio phrasing

The incredible HIDDEN Solo on John Farnham's You’re The Voice