Working out of Edinburgh by way of Brazil, Driller lead guitarist/vocalist Alex Rech delivers his first solo effort, entitled "My Way Is The Highway". The six song EP boasts a variety of styles, ranging from 70's to European melodic rock. Having reviewed Driller's debut "The New Deal", I was intrigued to see what Rech would do outside the confines of the more progressive metal style of Driller.
After a starting car foretells the rollicking vibe of "Heading East", I was immediately struck by the vocal improvement. Obviously, the many live gigs Driller played had strengthened Alex's voice. Musically, I was reminded of southern-tinged 70's rock, most notably Foghat. The songwriting also showed signs of growth, as the melodies were tighter and better defined. Panning the rhythm to the left and the solo to the right added a nice, classic sparseness. The outro features the chorus fading into the sound of an old AM radio, adding some playfulness to an already playful song. In a nod to heading East to Brazil's coast, Rech succeeded in creating an energetic tune made for top-down cruising.
"Stranger" is up next, beginning with an arpeggiated, brooding intro in the vein of Pink Cream 69, before jumping into an easily recognizable Alex Rech driving riff. Again, the songwriting and vocal improvement is immediate. Much like in Driller, Rech shows an impressive ability to integrate interesting chord voicings throughout the track. The improved production qualities, courtesy of Rikki Beran and Rech himself, highlight vocals and guitar without sacrificing the bottom end. The wah-infused solo is energetic and tight. This song is single-ready for the European melodic rock scene.
Kicking off with a one minute Steve Vai-inspired soaring guitar intro over piano, "The Bridges to the Isles of the Sea" gives way to a mid-tempo sparse verse riff, again highlighting Rech's ability to incorporate flavorful chord voicings. The vocal phrasing and delivery reminds one of Phil Lynott in the early Lizzy days. The spoken section quoting Black Elk of the Oglala Lakota is presumably an homage to Vai's "Passion and Warfare" and adds a touch of levity. The solo section has the feel of rolling waves, building and falling throughout. As a reference to the Garvellachs off the Scottish coast, Bridges shows maturing songwriting, both in musicality and content.
"You Know" is an impressive ballad, much in the Richie Kotzen solo vein. An impressive vocal performance from Alex, as he shows the ability to restrain and deliver a heartfelt vocal reminiscent of a Gotthard ballad. The melodic, understated southern rock style solo is a perfect complement to the overall vibe. Another obvious single choice that, with the right push, could help break Alex into the States.
"Warriors of the Light" features a rawer vocal performance, again highlighting the Lynott influence. A solid mid-tempo rocker made for cruising. The solo section employs a panned call and response with some interesting phrases.
The acoustic "Live On", a Driller single from 2011, closes out the EP in grand fashion. Easily the best vocal, Rech somehow manages to keep the energy of the original while making it sound intimate, much the same way Harem Scarem seems so adept at. In this acoustic setting, it is clear that Alex has put considerable effort into strengthening his voice. The bridge section is wonderfully written, building to the melodic chorus. Simply a well-crafted song performed masterfully.
It was interesting to hear such different styles from Alex, sans Driller. In many ways, I think this collection is a better representation of the type of artist Rech is and wants to be. The material is more accessible, tightly structured, and shows a much matured songwriting style. Not to mention how impressively Rech's vocals have improved over the past two years. He was already an accomplished guitar player, but is also showing signs of growing into his voice. As a whole, "My Way Is The Highway" is an impressive debut, giving the listener several musical morsels to savor.
