TYLER AUCOIN | AWAY
I will never forget the first time I heard Randy Rhoads performing “Dee” in a live recording. I was immediately taken into his world, and the air radiated with the vibrations of something so pure and beautiful that I couldn’t help but cry. Through this album, Tyler Aucoin was able to transport me back to that memory instantly. This is an accomplishment that renders me speechless for a moment, because only a precious few guitarists have been able to bring me to that level of awe.

There is something about a man with an acoustic guitar on his lap, eyes closed and playing his heart out. There is even more something about one who is able to pour his emotions into those strings so convincingly that he doesn’t even need lyrics to say what he wants to say. Speaking only through the tones and utterances of the instrument, Aucoin expertly conveys every feeling within, baring his soul to his listener.

Each song on the 10-track CD has its own unique voice. “Missing Her” seems a sad and thoughtful song, whereas “Starting Over” has a sense of urgency in its hook. “Beautiful Horizon” brought me to sitting on the beach with my toes in the sand, and “My Only Light” was my favorite on the album, with notes I didn’t expect, giving it a warm and haunting feel.

Aucoin is technically flawless in his delivery, using the guitar for every sound it is capable of, including percussion tapping and other advanced techniques. Every wish, every heartache, every moment of reflection is carefully composed into a masterpiece. This is an album that tells a complete story when heard in order.

For more information, visit tyleraucoin.com.

By Jennifer Russo

AC/DC | ROCK OR BUST
Thunderous power chords? Check. Stomping, methodical drums? Check. Rock ’n’ roll attitude? AC/DC delivers all in spades on Rock or Bust, the band’s newest studio album.

“In rock we trust/It’s rock or bust,” sings Brian Johnson in his signature raspy voice. With that familiar AC/DC sound backing him up on the album’s titular opener, one thing is clear from the get-go: AC/DC hasn’t changed on bit ~ and that’s a good thing. Clocking in at just barely more than 30 minutes, Rock or Bust is a quick shot of hard rock juice, giving just enough to prove that AC/DC’s golden formula of unapologetic, seat-of-your-pants brashness hasn’t aged one bit. Angus Young, strapped with his trusty Gibson SG, delivers his trademark riffs and solos with all the fervor and energy we’ve come to expect on songs like “Play Ball” and the surging “Baptism by Fire.” Johnson, ever the sly lyricist, adds in his dirty innuendoes on “Miss Adventure.”

Missing from the action because of health issues, however, is rhythm guitarist and brother to Angus, Malcolm Young. But thanks to Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young, filling in on rhythm, the blood tie is still there, as is the spirit, and you can’t tell the difference.

There’s something to be said about the resiliency and youth AC/DC show on Rock or Bust. The band is one of a select few in the rock world that has been to war and back and shows no signs of slowing down. Where others may falter, AC/DC not only stays the course, it shakes it to its core. Rock or Bust is full-on AC/DC power.

For more, visit acdc.com.

By Jason Savio

NEW PILOT | THE GREAT AMERICAN TOOTH
We thought we were in for something really hardcore by the first few guitar strings on the album’s opening song, “Loneliest of Ways,” but were pleasantly surprised when things softened while still retaining a harder edge. This Worcester-based band’s fourth album, The Great American Tooth, is instrumentally solid and lyrically astute … and a little bit familiar.

And while their influences are not in disguise by any means, this four-member indie band does make the music its own, so while Tooth has flashes of Nirvana (dare we say it?) coupled with Gin Blossoms and other like-sounding ensembles of the great ’90s alt-pop rock school of thought, it’s more a compliment than a criticism since the sounds ~ though decades apart ~ complement one another.

Some of the songs run a little longer than they need to: four minutes, four-and-a-half, even a pair of songs that break the five-minute mark (but one five-minute ditty, “How Many Times,” is one of our favorites on the album). The majority of the songs on “Tooth” come off as affecting and sincere, and there’s just enough angst seething through to make them potent. “Step Into My Fingers” and “All These Dreams” are two standouts. Members of New Pilot are not afraid to put their emotions out there ~ totally honest and raw. And this makes for an album that’s better than good.

For more information, visit newpilotmusic.com.

By Michael Wood