Guitar Magazine May 2021

CHRIS FANTANA FIXER-UPPER Former guitar teacher Chris launched British boutique outfit Rift Amplification in 2013 and now spends his time building and fixing amps. Flip to p118 for his latest project. “I get much gratification from fixing other people’s shoddy workmanship,” he says. “It’s not something you can charge for, mind!” Over the past 12 months, one of his guitars has really proved its worth. “My 1960 Epiphone Century has been a home-practice revelation. Loud enough unplugged that I can play sans amp, yet toneful enough that it doesn’t sound flat.” JOSH SCOTT HISTORY BUFF While his first two columns for the mag proved that JHS Pedals founder Josh is obsessed with the history of guitar effects, he took it to the next level this month by debuting Guitar Pedals: The Musical – an honest…

Join the conversation Email us at editors@guitar.com REZNORATOR BLUES Hi, folks. I was wondering if you have any advice for someone who last picked up their guitar as a teenager and is now starting their 30s and looking to get back into it again. My music tastes have changed since I was a teenager (thankfully). I’m more into electronic work now, where any sounds created through a guitar are distorted to the point of barely sounding guitar-like anymore; it’s more textural, wall-of-noise stuff, guitars that sound like synths (thanks, Trent Reznor). It’s basicallywhereelectronicmusicand guitar music intersect. The guitar I have, an ESP LTD EC-50, is built for playing hard rock/metal and I recently bought a new amp, a Fender Mustang LT25 combo, which has some brilliant effects and presets. I’m looking to get into…

West Lothian four-piece The Snuts have been shaking up the UK indie scene for more than five years now, blending singalong festival anthems with dissonant guitars and even a hint of Laurel Canyon-esque emotion. Their sophomore EP Mixtape was well received and saw them claim a spot in the UK Top 20 and reach No.1 on the Scottish charts, all while hitting 30 million streams on Spotify. For their newly released debut album W.L., the Scots worked with Tony Hoffer, the platinum-selling producer of records by Supergrass, Beck and The Kooks. With the band poised to become one of the most prominent acts in the country, we meet guitarist Joe McGillveray to talk curating the new album, the influence of Frank Zappa, and just being happy to get out of…

The new collaborative record between Richie Kotzen and Adrian Smith is as fun to listen to as it must have been to write and record. “It was meant to be,” says Kotzen. “I’ve been a fan of Iron Maiden my whole life. The nature of what we wrote dictated the direction of the album. We went in and let the music take its course.” The record weaves between Kotzen’s fusion-based R&B and Smith’s rootsy blues melodies. What’s impressive is the pair’s ability to allow space for each other to sit neatly within the tracks, often acting like a road-tested band rather than players collaborating for the first time. Here, Kotzen picks out his top tracks. TAKING MY CHANCES “The coolest part of this song for me is the opening main riff that Adrian…

PHIL X & THE DRILLS “I Love You” On Her Lips Bon Jovi’s resident guitar-slinger returns to his solo project with this dirty, driving proto-punk release, which melds 2000s-era drive with brash falsetto vocals and typically obscene guitar solos. WOLF ALICE The Last Man On Earth The first single from the UK rockers’ highly anticipated third album again demonstrates why they’re one of the country’s best bands. The Sgt Pepper’s-esque phased riffs are a welcome new wrinkle. REAL ESTATE Half A Human Made up of tracks written at the same time as 2020 album The Main Thing, Real Estate’s new EP is replete with exquisite harmonised guitars reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. KINGS OF LEON Golden Restless Age The family band returned to form with their eighth album, using analogue methods and vintage synths. Its standout track sees Matthew Followill’s Epiphone…

With its dedicated modulation section and eight reverb modes for shimmering pitch-based experimentation, EarthQuaker Devices’ Astral Destiny is a stompbox that’s all about the strange stuff. From adjustable automatic note-bending to its effect-stretching footswitch, these features deserve a place on your board, especially if you’re a fan of crafting ethereal ambiences. For a chance to win the digital reverb pedal, go to guitar.com/competitions and answer this question. Where was EarthQuaker Devices founded? A) Orlando, Florida B) Norfolk, Virginia C) Akron, Ohio Terms & Conditions Closing date for entries is 23:59 GMT, 7 May 2021. The Company’s decision is final. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom only. This competition is open to those 18 years old and above only. For full terms and conditions, please go to bnd.la/gm-ctos.…