FLAT TIRE

Collectors and fans only... My suggestion is for you to buy "Metal Fatigue," "Secrets" and the "Sixteen Men of Tain." Listen, learn to appreciate an acquired taste. Study the sounds, complex melodies and unearthly rhythms. Get to know the man; read the many bios, articles and comments by guitarists and guitar historians. After you've become well versed, seek and find Flat Tire... Only then can you unlock the beauty of this disc. On first listen I was completely underwhelmed. The Synthaxe is not your everyday instrument. It's a bit harsh and cold at first. It took me a while to accept the sound and get to the music.

This is the one man show, much like the guy with a kick drum, accordian and harmonica. Allan plays all the drum parts using the Synth triggers, a tube that Allan blows through, controls the power of a note and adds sustain. The tunes really dance and flow with an emotion which is deep and personal. You must keep in mind that this album serves as a soundtrack, the actual sub-title is: "Music for a Non-Existent Movie." There are a lot of ambient passages and chord washes that swell and spin, but Allan's solos are lilting and fiery.

Dave Carpenter adds bass on two tracks, which gives those tracks a bit of warmth which is missing throughout.

Check out the 4 star Allan Holdsworth discs first. If you can't get enough, then get this one.