The Aristocrats – ‘Tres Caballeros’ [Review]
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Almost nobody in the world has mastered the art of instrumental mindfuckery to the degree the Aristocrats have. This fusion-powered power trio (Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums) have been hailed as heroes the world over, and for a number of reasons:
Reason 1: Virtuosity. The musicianship on display throughout Tres Caballeros is nothing short of world-class. Considering the pedigrees of the players involved, this is hardly a surprise – but nonetheless, on a technical level this album is crammed full of brain-stunningly inventive moments and axe / stick / finger gymnastics that deserve recognition. Tres Caballeros is the sound of master musicians pushing their skills past the outer limits of technique, and into other realms entirely.
Reason 2: Songwriting. Although this is instrumental music (bar the band’s vocal debut on the Tarantino-soundtrack-ready Smuggler’s Corridor), and the term “composition” is often preferred instead, the songs on Tres Caballeros do actually feel like songs. There’s a genuine lyricism to every melody, bassline, and drum part – not to mention buckets of emotion and visually evocative combinations of rhythm, harmony, and topline lines. Tres Masturbadors this is not.
Reason 3: Humour. From the quirky chicken-squawk country guitar and Joe-Satriani-on-blue-meth soloing found on Caballeros opener Stupid 7 to song titles like Texas Crazypants and Pig’s Day Off and the time-signature-migraine intro to ZZ Top, the Aristocrats’ signature rib-tickling remains intact here.
Reason 4: Consistency. Be honest – have these guys ever put a note wrong? A quick listen through earlier albums The Aristocrats and Culture Clash will prove this point.
Whether you still require convincing or not, you need to become ear-amigos with Tres Caballeros.
TMMP RATING: 97% (Essential Listening!)
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