Music for Speeding

Music for Speeding is a fulfilling work on which Marty Friedman combines singing, beautiful guitar melody, varied rhythm and poppy, memorable hooks. Released during the period he left Megadeth and moved his base to Japan, it is a record announcing his new departure. The technical phrases are certainly many, yet the songs always move powerfully around beautiful melody and its mood changes, so they by no means leave the listener behind. Freer, more varied content. From the speeding opener “Gimme a Dose” and the drama of “Fuel Injection Stingray” to a cut like “Ripped,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Cheer Girl Rampage” and “Lovesorrow” convey the work’s fullness. Marty Friedman’s songcraft-filled guitar is powerfully in sharp form throughout. A record on which heavy weight, distinctive humor and exotic color mix extremely freely, and the guitar functions richly like a single storyteller. His broad musicality, by no means fitting the frame of metal, comes vividly into view. An engaging record conveying the sure breadth of Marty Friedman’s solo expression — a record where the guitarist’s new departure shines.