New Steve Vai track - "Velorum"

[Chris]

http://soundcloud.com/favorednations/velorum

Next week, on 14 August, master guitarist Steve Vai releases The Story Of Light, his first studio solo album since 2005's Real Illusions: Reflections. It is the second installment in the Real Illusions trilogy, an epic conceptional narrative (or "rock fable," as Vai calls it) that concerns self-realization, spiritual renewal and redemption - answers that are revealed as characters gaze into a reflecting pond that holds magical powers.

Scientific truths and existentialism collide in the story of Velorum, and as a piece of music it's no less complex. But the beauty of Vai - a musician so keyed into his emotions that his feelings literally leap from his skin - is how he can unravel elusive, heady and metaphysical conceits and render them with sweeping, palpable urgency and body-rocking punch. For guitar fans, Velorum is six minutes of sustained bliss: smoldering riffage, hauntingly beautiful melodies and cloudbursts of overwhelming, rapturous fretboard virtuosity. Vai is hopped up by the hot spiel in his blood, and his frenzy is downright contagious here.Next week, on 14 August, master guitarist Steve Vai releases The Story Of Light, his first studio solo album since 2005's Real Illusions: Reflections. It is the second installment in the Real Illusions trilogy, an epic conceptional narrative (or "rock fable," as Vai calls it) that concerns self-realization, spiritual renewal and redemption - answers that are revealed as characters gaze into a reflecting pond that holds magical powers.

Scientific truths and existentialism collide in the story of Velorum, and as a piece of music it's no less complex. But the beauty of Vai - a musician so keyed into his emotions that his feelings literally leap from his skin - is how he can unravel elusive, heady and metaphysical conceits and render them with sweeping, palpable urgency and body-rocking punch. For guitar fans, Velorum is six minutes of sustained bliss: smoldering riffage, hauntingly beautiful melodies and cloudbursts of overwhelming, rapturous fretboard virtuosity. Vai is hopped up by the hot spiel in his blood, and his frenzy is downright contagious here.

Song premiere: Steve Vai unleashes Velorum | MusicRadar.com

[Nolly]

There are some really delightful moments in there I must say

[jaxadam]

I actually liked that.

[Toe-Knee]

I like it all other than the really fuzzy rhythm sounds.

[Thomas]

It's been a while since I've enjoyed instrumental music this much. It's a gorgeous track. Did you guys catch the comment at the end of the Soundcloud stream? "Stop it, Steve, now you're just showing off... okay, actually, don't stop."

[Toe-Knee]

I've just listened this again which is a record! It's the first time I've listened to a full track by Vai so twice means it must be excellent!

[guitarrero]

Sounds excellent to me! Totally looking forward to the whole album. Which i hopefully can buy today...
Vai never disappointed me for as long as i listen to his music and that's 20+ years already. Damn i'm old!
Yes, it's always weird, strange and different, but always interesting and very expressive... totally dig it! Almost like magic...

[Naren]

I've always liked Vai. I know a lot of people complain about his recent work, but I personally think his recent work is some of the best he's ever released.

[TimSE]

This is way better than I was expecting! Might get this album

[ixijmackixi]

Vaitiful : o