WROC

WROC is a record Paul Gilbert carefully honed as a 2026 work, around rock guitar’s transcendent technique, pop playfulness and a bluesy, warm humanity. The phrases, even when fast, by no means become hard, dry exercises; each song has bright, accessible expression and surprising developments that pleasantly defy the listener’s expectation carefully prepared. Content showing that, even as a veteran, his creative drive has not dimmed at all. Where the guitar comes to the fore as if singing, rich emotion is conveyed straight to the listener with the delicate nuance of its tone alone. Flashy, brilliant fast picking is merely one part composing the songs, and the fun “conversation” woven by riffs, rhythm and melody is what makes the whole work truly lively. A record where his sure songwriting skill shines. A record you want to savor carefully — the extremely precise picking technique behind seemingly light, cheerful phrases and the exquisite “timing” born between short notes. Paul Gilbert’s own sure appeal — never showing off outstanding technique but letting you listen with a smile — is packed throughout. Showing his mature musicality, it is a powerful, fun guitar album.