W.A.L.H.F. MORE F. (WITH A LITTLE HELL FROM MORE FRIENDS)

What better way to end 2024 then with a review of one of the most adventerous records of this past year. Greco Bastian is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who shook the Avant world last year with an album filled with "known" musicians from all over the world. Greco is a humble guy and at some point he realized that his compositions were too hard for him to play. Now keep in mind he's released a few albums prior to this, and did it all himself instrumentally.

Last years album for example featured compositions he wrote back in 2001/2002 but needed musicians to play them. So he sends out messages, and many went unanswered, many said kindly "I can't", and then we get the long list of who I would call heroes, who said "I'm in". Greco follows Zappa's mantra for composing, and that's sort of along the lines of going with your heart or your gut. If you as a composer like it, then go for it. Greco has never studied music and uses his Guitar Pro 6.0 when composing.

What I love about Bastian's composing skills is his ability to have every musician in each song stand out. Not an easy thing. And not just stand out, they get challenged as well. It's such a win win situation. I was constantly grabbing the liner notes which has all 8 tracks and who plays on them. Even the solos are distinguished. So yes every time I was impressed, I'd take a quick look at who was impressing me. And by the way Patrick Gautheir, the legendary Zeuhl keyboardist came up the most. Also I need to mention MONOBODY's bass player, Steve Marek. This comes across like an album full of solos, yet it isn't. Credit to Greco.

I also appreciate the local Mexican vibe on here. Greco has six local musicians he hangs with, and this isn't a band per se, although he calls them The Villagers Of The Legendary Town Of St. Never Of Ever. They consist of three drummers, a rhythm guitarist, xylophone player and then the bad man himself Hey Figueroa on bass. These guys can play. The cover art reminds me of Mexico, along with that trumpet on "Extitled".

I have a top three but first that two part "Kobaian Call To War" to open and close the album are my least favourites. I still like them but they are hard to swallow at times for various reasons. I mentioned "Extitled" already and it's a top three. This one has some piano from Gauthier, and the two locals on drums and xylophone are outstanding. The main guitarist is Anthony Beard from NI and PINIOL, and he offers up some angular stylings. Not a top three but how about the trio known as THE MERCURY TREE being on "4009, The Mezking" with Paolo Botta on keys, and Markus Reuter is one of the guitarists.

Another top three is "Blacaman, The Bad One" and it's the one with Marek on bass just killing it. Such a fantastic rhythm section on this one with FAR CORNER's Craig Walkner on drums. They should collaborate. Some great contrasts on this one, and man it gets intense at times. Not a top three but I really like "Clownnecticut" with three of the locals plus Gauthier going beyond the call of duty here. My favourite song is "Cosmetology". Only a four piece here but we have Hey on bass, Paolo Botta on keyboards and that Canadian duo from MIRIODOR adding guitars and drums. Love this track. I swear BLACK SABBATH is the blue print here. This one needs to be heard. The darkness, how haunting it can get. Paolo is so impressive in what he adds to get to that mysterious atmosphere. Angular guitar, monster bass lines. Such a great track!

Really you could flip a coin between this one and Greco's last record. Companion albums in my opinion.