Myles Kennedy's Third Solo Album Is Packed With a Hell of Riffs

Myles Kennedy was and still is a sought-after rock old stager for his vocals, which blend a warning, almost mournful urgency with a celebratory melodiousness that is most evident in his bombastic choruses. And there are plenty of those on The Art Of Letting Go.

His unjustly overlooked guitar talents emerge in every song, waking with brutal solos, bluesy subtlety and bestial riffs. Positivity and triumphant melodiousness reign supreme in the opener The Art Of Letting Go, which immediately spills over into the grunge flavour of the following song Say What You Will. Kennedy delves into country and blues in the gorgeous ballad Behind The Veil and sadly and vibrantly mixes his harmonies in the heartfelt Eternal Lullaby, dedicated to all fallen rock heroes.

Bluesy guitar in the manner of AC/DC reappears in Saving Face, while the sharpest track Dead To Rights maintains a decent punk edge. The finale, in How The Story Ends, initially flirts with a haunting tritone (an interval of augmented fourth) before soon going adrift into a haunting lullaby, full of turmoil and tension.

As musicians, what can you appreciate about the album?

Unlike his previous acoustic work, Myles decided to take the rock path and on The Art Of Letting Go he proves how skilfully he can mix energetic rock anthems with emotive ballads. The songs are built on powerful riffs, which he combines with his charismatic, widely modulated vocals. But in addition to his unmistakable voice, Myles also shows a flair for precise guitar work. There are still elements of lyrical vulnerability in the lyrics that provide a glimpse into Kennedy's musical and personal soul. In short, Myles Kennedy is at the peak of his playing and songwriting abilities.

Myles Kennedy – The Art Of Letting Go

Napalm Records, 00:46:22

Rock

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