On the Hellecasters' sophomore effort, Escape From Hollywood, the trio of rock virtuoso guitarists returns with another collection of progressive, zany, instrumental numbers. Forsaking all other guitars for Fender Telecasters, the trio plows through a repertoire ranging from kitschy, sci-fi rockers to breakneck, finger-picked country. While the technical mastery that all three musicians display is jaw-dropping, they never sound like they're showing off. Perhaps most impressive is that all three guitarists are able to spread their wings while maintaining a tight sound that never becomes cluttered. The slower numbers, such as "Son Becomes Father" and "Between Twilight and Dawn," are soulful and poignant, while "Mad for Mothra" and "Danger Man" would be right at home in an old horror movie or cop show, respectively. These tracks, as well as the album title itself, carry on the B-movie theme that the group started on its first album, Return of the Hellecasters. They even borrow a few bars from the Inspector Gadget theme song on the tune of the same name. While much of the rock world is busy taking itself way too seriously, it's refreshing to see a group of incredibly gifted musicians who aren't afraid to have some fun.
© Mark Vanderhoff /TiVo