Whilst a guitar is always pretty central to a Phi Yaan-Zek record, it’s been quite a while since he released an album where the guitar was the focus throughout. Well, the wait is over, as his latest musical outpouring is unquestionably a guitar tour de force. Of course anyone familiar with Phi’s work over the years will know that this isn’t going to be any run of the mill shred fest; he doesn’t do mundane, has no clue about ‘normal’, and any guitar album with his name on it is going to be adventurous and quirky. Inner Cosmic Spiral is all those things and more.
Supported as usual by his Aristocratic friends Bryan Beller on bass and Marco Minnemann on drums, and his close collaborator for many years Lalle Larsson on keyboards, the musicianship on display couldn’t be of higher quality. Phi writes intricate and complex compositions, and his friends seem to telepathically understand how to make them come alive, as is obvious from the first song and title track Inner Cosmic Spiral. It’s a busy piece, high tempo pulsing and throbbing, the main theme on guitar a fast and difficult motif, yet the overall effect is a song one could dance to if one felt so inclined. The solo weaves over this insistent backdrop, seeking unusual trajectories rather than tried and tested paths. It’s an energetic start, and sets the tone for the album.
Blue Sky Kiss continues, and is a more complex construction, but melodic and accessible. Lalle contributes a dazzling keyboard solo, and Phi responds with a fiery guitar. The mid section has a super complex unison band segment, very Steve Vai like in style, but seemingly played with ease by this talented bunch. They slip back into the main melody smoothly, all the while Phi overlaying his inimitable electric guitar madness. Kything With Ultras follows with some of Phi Yaan-Zak’s most boundary pushing playing. What is ‘Kything’? Some kind of wordless telepathic communication apparently. Who knew? Not me, but the song is a wonderful exploration of how a guitar can speak in different tongues, also wordlessly.
Other highlights include the epic Carnival Encounters of the Close Kind, an extended piece which mixes Latin rhythms with some ridiculously good instrumental invention from Phi and Lalle. The soloing from both men is astonishing, inventive, and just plain fun. Imagine watching carnival floats going by, each one more colourful and elaborate than the last, with a Santana on steroids soundtrack. Beller and Minnemann get to shine too, though often overshadowed by the main instrument, but there’s no doubt their contributions are critical to the tightness of the arrangements. Phi hits on a five note phrase which gets repeated ad infinitum, as the carnival continues on it’s crazy path. The piece breaks down to a delightful piano interlude before the party restarts with further guitar fireworks. The momentum seems to gather pace, almost out of control, but just about held in check. Is there a Close Encounters soundtrack quote in there? Could be, but it’s hard to pick out, but whatever, it’s breathlessly brilliant.
After that madness, Wave Goodbye is a welcome chance to catch breath with a gentle acoustic interlude.
Cloud Temples is the only song with vocals, albeit heavily treated and impossible to decipher lyrically. It has a cosmic bubbly Steve Hillage vibe, especially during the guitar solo. Re-Enchantment is altogether heavier, and features some absolutely scorching fret work, not only from Yaan-Zek, but also from Terry Syrek who matches Phi for speed and invention. Whisper plays us out with a gentler elegiac track, a perfect way to wind the record down.
There are other magical moments, but you get the picture. A guitar fest, but not as we know it. More Vai than Satriani, but not really like either. Phi ploughs his own furrow, and copies nobody; rather he leads us to new pastures and possibilities, and Inner Cosmic Spiral proves it. One of the more entertaining releases so far this year.
TRACK LISTING
01. Inner Cosmic Spiral (4:45)
02. Blue Sky Kiss (5:36)
03. Kything With Ultras (6:27)
04. A Child In Eternity (5:49)
05. The King Of Spirals (6:01)
06. Carnival Encounters of the Close Kind (10:24)
07. Wave Goodbye (1:50)
08. Cloud Temples (6:55)
09. Re-Enchantment (6:14)
10. Whisper (6:17)
Total Time – 60:12
MUSICIANS
Phi Yaan-Zek – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Ukulele, Toy Piano, Keyboards, Kalimba, Percussion, Voice
Bryan Beller – Electric Bass
Marco Minnemann – Drums, Percussion
Lalle Larsson – Keyboards, Keyboard Solos (2,6 & 8)
~ With:
Terry Syrek – Guitar Solos [2nd & 4th] (9)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 25th July 2025
LINKS
Phi Yaan-Zek – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube
