Artist: GHOSTRIDERS CD Title: "Something Worth While" Reviewed by: Shane Chess Reviewed: 8/26/2003

We just got in a CD review for from the Scottish band, Ghostriders. They are a cool rock band that is a lot different than what we are used to hearing here at The Shred Zone.com, but they are definitely worth listening to! The band consists of: John- lead vocals/lead guitar; Chail- rhythm guitar; Lopey- Bass; Jay J- drums/percussion/backing vocals. So with out further delay let's get started with the review.

Track one "Blue Top" is a rockin' song that's upbeat and catches your ear from the get go. It is very vibrant piece with good vocal hooks. John keeps us guitar nuts waiting for a solo until the end of the track, and then he unleashes with a melodic solo that seems to have a hook all its own.

"Dual Diagnosis," song two is another blistering rock anthem that doesn't really have a established guitar solo, but the chorus has what I call a melodic mini solo as part of the main chorus. A fun track to listen to while driving around trying to pick up chicks.

Song three "Mickstrumental" as the title states, is an instrumental. Again very melodic lead work, which seems to be part of the band's sound. Jack comes with some interesting and super cool melodic solos that will get any guitar player excited. This song is only 1:44 long so it is short and sweet and to the point.

"The Walking Man" is slower tune, but tells a good story. This track is pumped full of cool riffs and great vocal melodies. Again the solo is at the end of the song and I like this guys thinking. His solos seem to be very appropriate for the songs even though they may not be long extravagant ones.

Track five "So Called" really slowed down the record's pace. The guitar sounds great in this tune and it sounds like they used a lot of a stereo effect here. The solo starts a 3:00 into the song and is very cool sounding with a lot of wild effects. You can really get into this solo and you can really feel what they were going for with this number.

"Paul Has Broken Glass" picks up the pace again This song has a early '80's vibe to it with very clean guitar work on the rhythm and lead. A quick solo performance shines in and again is very appropriate for the song.

Track seven "Before It Ends" starts out with some big drums with guitars panning left to right all over the place. Can we say STEREO!?! They pull it back together real nice and smash through the song with some smoking guitar work. You'll like the vocals throughout the song as well. Johnny has a very "now" voice and compliments the bands sound.

Track eight "Make No Mistake" has a mega disco vibe! To tell you the truth I would have never imagined that a song of this nature would be on this record. But hey, who I am to say what they should write. This song is a major highlight, it really added to the diverse nature of the record and its great to see young bands experiment with sounds to try to crave out their own style. I have to give a shout to Lopey (bass) and Jay J (drums) on this one. For their real cool bass and drum work. What a fun song.

"'Till September Comes" track nine is another slower one with a smooth vibe. Chail does a good job on the acoustic guitar which really helped make the song sound unique. As usual, John rips out another great melodic solo. He really has a good playing skills and I could really hear it standout on this track.

Song ten "Smack Out" is a piece that has a lot to say. Good lyrics that are very deep help build to the complexity. Don't forge to give the main vocal lines a strong listen, I smell a classic hook line! This is by all means is my favorite track from the record. I like everything about this song, they weren't afraid to show their diversity and musical abilities. Great job guys!

"Speedy Pestimisso" is this some kind of a joke? A country type track!? How did they know I'm from where country music got started (Tennessee that is, and yes my life is a nightmare because of it!). I don't care for country music very much, but this song is a good one. Its an instrumental and these guys really amaze me with their diverse choice of musicianship. I know I said earlier that "Make No Mistake" was the least expected effort from the band, but I'm now eating my words. To my surprise, they do the country thing better than most country bands!

"New Song" track twelve is another high energy rocker with a strong vibe. The riders have some breaks throughout the song that plow the listener with smothered vocals and wild guitars with blended effects. The guitars at the end of the track have a great pan and chorus effect that match the weirdness of the breaks. Trust me, you haven't heard anything like this before.

"Model 64" must be John's baby, because he belts out lyrics straight from the heart. You can feel the emotion from beginning to end. I truly believe you'll like the melodies and valor of John's performance. He is a talented singer that knows how to captivate an audience and demand attention. The guitar solo was an added bonus and has a great feel, again locking in perfectly with the song's life force. Johnny has lived this song!

Song fourteen "Mickstrumental (Porno Mix)" insane instrumental as track three but with some wah wah on the front and some voices at the beginning and end from some porno. Pretty funny if you ask me. Thumbs up! (laughs)

Track fifteen is a hidden track, so hidden we don't even know the name of it! Its a solid piece that aims to please. Chail and John complimented each other's guitar playing with one on acoustic and the other on electric. Again more clean lead work can be found that is simply stated, but effective.

All in all I really thought this was a great rock record. If you are looking to find insane shred guitar go buy another cd. On the other hand if you want a tight rock band that has lots of vocal hooks and driven rock guitar than this is to pick up. The musicianship is very melodic throughout the record. The guitar solos are very soulful and well thought out. The Ghostriders are a diverse group and I think that's what makes them stand out as a band and they are well worth listening to. I think they have what it takes to hit the big time and you will be hearing more from them shortly. Until then you can purchase the CD and listen to Ghostrider tracks at their website: www.theghosties.co.uk