CoC : Andrew Danso - Blue Hat Thinking : Review

Andrew Danso - _Blue Hat Thinking_
(Independent, 2008)
by: Quentin Kalis (6 out of 10)

This independently produced and released EP contains seven tracks of instrumental prog-metal-rock, with a leaning towards '80s hard rock. This is a solo release, Danso handling rhythm, lead and acoustic guitar with aplomb, and drums less expertly. The drumming is predictably neglected, and sounds like it was programmed very basically, providing the minimum of percussive undercurrent. Danso's guitar skills are the stars, and the raison d'être for this release. I expected meandering "Guitar Hero" histrionics, but Danso is remarkably restrained; many songs terminate within a couple of minutes, and the whole release wraps up in under 25 minutes. There is a focus on the rhythm guitar, with fewer shredding solos than one would normally expect. Danso's performance is affected by the inadequate sound, almost as if it were obtained from a low quality digital music file, and the volume level is uneven: closer "Heuristic" is louder than any other song. Not good for someone whose main strength is his playing ability and not the creation of a specific atmosphere. Danso's songs do not require vocals and it is debatable whether vocals would assist or hinder his music, but until the sound is improved it is a moot point.

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/Andrewdanso

(article published 21/4/2009)