A late entry into the psychosis-mapping prog canon, The Mars Volta’s crazed debut smashed together heavyweight riffs, swerving rhythms and unhinged guitar to form a memorable musical maelstrom.
From their angst-ridden early days to their stadium epics, the guitar has long been the crux of Muse’s sound – and Matt Bellamy’s approach to the instrument is frequently awe-inspiring.
On album eleven, Auerbach and Carney return to their whisky-soaked Delta blues roots. Steady it may be but Dropout Boogie also exudes The Black Keys’ magnetic character.
With big riffs and their sturdiest grooves to date, the Sheffield band’s fifth record brought new success and paved the way towards a more musically adventurous future.
Refining their reputation for minimal slowcore, Minnesota’s Low worked with Steve Albini to build their widescreen fifth album, complete with their most wistful songs yet.
Prince handled a guitar like few others dared. A master of the devastating solo and electrifying riff, the Artist was also a considerable talent when it came to vigorous funk and elegant chord-craft.
While Placebo’s debut revelled in hedonism, its sequel was all emotional aftermath, and demonstrated more assured songwriting. Producer Steve Osborne tells us more.
