ERIC MANTEL
The Unstruck Melody
Holistic Music Entertainment 2006
www.ericmantel.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Chicago guitar virtuoso unleashes his latest creation. The Unstruck Melody is a twenty song journey split into two acts.

Genre
Hard rock / rock / virtuoso / blues rock / funk / pop-rock

The Good
The opening track “The Unstruck Melody” lays out what to expect on the disc. It’s basically and introduction skit that has Eric tuning through various radio stations. Pay close attention to the songs and their varying styles, because Mantel is going to touch upon them all before the album is finished. “Tribute” is an instrumental track that recalls early 80s Steve Vai mixed with a little 70s arena rock. “The Real You” marries guitar funk with progressive elements. The Hammond organ help with the 70s vibe. Mantel unleashes some fiery guitar runs on this one. With “Shine On,” Eric let’s you know that he’s not just a monster on his ax, but he can also lay down some smooth melodic vocals too.

I never thought that church bells could be used successfully in a pop-rock ballad, but Mantel proves me wrong on “Why So Lonely.” The addition of blended female vocals only enhances the emotion. A Middle Eastern influence is prevalent on the acoustic stylings of “Affectionally Yours.” “Wings of Fire” has a real Hendrix feel to it with its intricate soloing and ‘wicka-wicka’ guitar tone. “Only Want Your Love” is a great vocal rocker with lots of great hooks, and the name says it all on “Finger-Pickin’ Country.”

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
Eric Mantel establishes him as a multi-faceted guitarist and vocalist on The Unstruck Melody. Normally I would get bored with twenty songs on a mostly instrumental album, but the diversity that Mantel displays keep each twist and turn interesting. You don’t have to be a guitar aficionado to enjoy Eric Mantel’s latest; you just have to be a fan of great music.

Did You Know?
Eric Mantel is also a successful guitar instructor and clinician, and has taught over 3,500 students.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne