Thomas Larsson
"Freeride"
Grooveyard Records
Thomas Larsson's "Freeride" is a trip that should be taken at any cost! His versatility and well-roundedness is quite apparant from the get go! The title track "Freeride" is an uptempo rocker featuring a funky hendrixy workout and features a killer guitar solo with traces of Uli Roth and Robin Trower. "Dalecarlian Legend" shows that Mr. Larsson can deliver a sensitive orchestrated instrumental guitar piece that mixes in a little "added crunch" on the side - along with a Satriani - like fusion solo! "Don't Start Messin'" proves that he can sound commercial without sacrificing artistic integrity. His Gary Moore influence shows up on the instrumental "Flight Of The Falcon". One of my favorite cuts on the "Freeride" c.d.. The awesome "Gone With Yesterday", features some sensitive yet "piercing" guitar licks. "S-N Service" is a Steve Morse-like "boogie fusion crunch rocker" that proves once again that this guy is extremely versatile. His bluesy 70's vibe really shines through on the tune "Back On The Ground". He squeezes the notes for all they are worth! The solid vocals along with the intense guitar make this another stand-out cut. The sensitive "crying" guitar on "Aurora Borelias" creates "dreamy soundscapes" that with each consecutive guitar passage seem to climb higher & higher into the heavens. The last and best cut on the c.d. is "Ruff Boy" and features amazing Paul Rodgers-like vocals and an"awesome beyond all reason" guitar solo that sounds like a bluesy Yngwie Malmsteen.
One thing is quite apparant; Thomas Larsson has got his game together. His guitar playing is "guitar hero worship worthy", yet he doesn't give the impression that he's "overplaying". He plays for the song, He has quality songs which add immensely to his musical credibility. Both the vocals and lyrics are top-notch. His musical versatility and "six-string destruction" are going to take him far. Pick up "Freeride" at all costs.
---James Gardner
(avid guitar freak and grooveyard supporter - 2002)