Martone (2005)

Instrumental guitar music can be an acquired taste, but every so often a band comes along that makes it impossible to stay on the sidelines. Canada's Martone is one of them. Led by guitarist Dave Martone, the group brings its show to the Central City Brewing Company in Surrey, British Columbia, and the result is a performance that's equal parts adventurous, aggressive and downright fun. Joining Dave are his brother Paul Martone on keyboards, David Spidel on bass and Daniel Adair on drums, a powerhouse who would soon go on to join Nickelback. Together, they make a formidable unit, locking into tricky grooves one moment and exploding into full-throttle rock the next. The setlist draws from Dave Martone's albums "Shut Up 'N Listen" and "Zone," along with material from his then-latest release on Lion Music, "A Demon's Dream." Instrumental, progressive, aggressive and dynamic only begin to describe what you'll hear. Martone moves effortlessly between styles, and his playing is bold, imaginative and fearless, the work of someone who isn't afraid to take a chance on a wild idea. It's a true celebration of musical diversity, and a showcase for some of the most daring guitar playing you're likely to hear. Musicians who follow their own path rarely take the easy road, but the rewards speak for themselves.