Instrumental rock guitarist Mike Dekleva has released his second four song EP, “Psychedelia”,on Friday, November 9, 2018. This is the follow-up to his critically acclaimed and award-winning 2015 debut instrumental EP, “Synergy.” Recorded at Paragon Recording Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, and in Dekleva’s home recording studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Psychedelia” was co-produced by Dekleva and Nashville session guitarist Robbie Calvo, and features performances by Dekleva (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Robbie Calvo (rhythm guitars), Jason Webb (piano and keyboards), Amanda McCoy (bass guitar) and Grady Saxman (drums and percussion). “Psychedelia” was mixed by Casey Barker at Paragon Recording Studios, and mastered by John Mayfield at Mayfield Mastering, in Nashville Tennessee.
Mike Dekleva is one hell of a guitarist. He’s found himself his rightfully earned spot in the underground music world. He has a raw vibe in his playing, which he shines up with excellent studio production and tasteful playing. Let’s face it; instrumental guitar music can be boring for non-connoisseurs.
Players who show more style over substance, to those who play the same notes over and over again, don’t hold a candle to this guy. Mike establishes himself as one of the few rock guitarists who can play tastefully and melodically without reeking of trying too hard. Mike Dekleva can rightfully be considered one of the better indie guitar players in the world.
Possessed of an impeccable sense of rhythm and phrasing, blessed with matchless pitch and vibrato, and uniquely capable of wresting sublime, organic tones out of guitars and amps, Mike’s latest 4-song EP, “Psychedelia” will almost certainly become a benchmark for the elusive pursuit of excellence in both technique and articulation, when it comes to independent productions.
Almost every song has a hook or guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention. “Psychedelia” opens up with an instantly recognizable intro and catchy main riff which rides a high-energy funk-fusion rhythm. Mike’s liquid tone perfectly complements his elastic songwriting and arranging.
No song is ever short on hooks, and when the hard grinding riffs of “Miguel’s Last Stand” kicks in it is characterized with Mike Dekleva’s wonderful, authoritative guitar tone, a style and all-embracing approach. The track always retains focus and contains some of the most splendid guitar playing I’ve heard this year.
“Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” is an awesome, moody guitar piece with lots of interesting build-ups, beautiful chords, and a dynamic feel. Mike is excellent at making the song crescendos, and playing really smart lines. His sound, a unique combination of clean and dirty tones coupled with a piercing vibrato, is highly impacting.
“Love Finds A Way” will impress listeners with its arrangement, atmosphere and, of course, stellar musicianship. Mike’s guitar tone and style are unique and the colors he is able to achieve on the instrument here, would make any vocalist struggle to match its nuancing and power.
Music, like all the arts in general, is able to express its very best when an artist trusts his instinct and lets the immediacy flow in his work. This is what seems to be happening on this track. A guitar music feast like the one Mike Dekleva has prepared on this new EP couldn’t finish in a better way. A composition played with such grace and conviction by Mike’s magic fingers, to leave any music lover totally breathless.
“Psychedelia” is an amazing EP, it’s one of a handful of instrumental song collections that I could put on any time and listen to all the way through. The production is outstanding, the musicianship is as good as it gets and the songs stunning. Mike Dekleva’s solo guitar work on this recording is perhaps his best yet, lyrical and articulate with the relaxed freedom and gloss only a consummate professional can achieve.
“Psychedelia” is available for purchase as both a special limited edition CD and in digital download formats from Mike’s “CD Baby” store. The EP will also be available from iTunes in “Mastered for iTunes” format. Additional information about Mike Dekleva can be found at his website, and all other links below.
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