The album begins with what seems to be a beautiful classical guitar duet - but gradually becomes something much darker and...frightening. What's in your nightmares that scares you? Then the listener is saved by some killer rock and roll ("Hyakki Yako"). The screaming harpies from the intro just have to sing along with this one, especially through that last minute! I love the lower register bass guitar slides that open "Gypsy's Ghost Machine". And the blistering lead work. And the melody. And the ear candy production. Then there's "Sonny Dhai" which starts off with a handful of goofy/happy sound effects, but really delivers on the "Sunny Day" theme: like the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine", you just about can't keep from bobbing your head and singing along. Next, "Burger" hits me as the greatest Saturday night bar-band song (which no bar band could play as well, because most of them are pretty close to drunk all the time, anyway). You have a great time rockin' with this band all night long. Then, on Sunday morning you wake up and feel the weight of the night before. Try to eat a little something, ignore the directionless ramblings of the other patrons, and enjoy the beautiful morning sun ("Sunday Morning Breakfast"). "Wee Bonnie Annie" is a really pretty tune, I just get a vibe of the joy of life from it. The guitar runs seem as if they want to just burst free. Don't roll your eyes, but it sounds a lot like a prime 1980's "Asia" track to me! The slightly Who-esque "Dreamscape" stacks energetic riffs on top of energetic riffs. Layers and layers of crescendos...yyyYYYYEAAAAHHHH! The album closes with "Twilight" which is...another gorgeous tune. How can a song have so many lightning fast solos, and still be slow and pretty? Not quite a "power ballad" (because calling it that would give it a veneer of hair-band corniness, and diminish it's beauty), but...it's a really great piece. Many guitar instrumental albums are a chore to listen to, mostly because so many guitarists are still trying to show how fast they can play (yawn). Paddy Leitsch can shred (and he does, when it suits the song), but that's not the reason he's recorded this album. This is an abum of great songs that happen to use guitar as the main instrument. Energetic but not frantic. Fast but not unintelligible. An album that you want to hear AGAIN.
Paddy Leitsch: Reviews
Album Reviews
Stephen Jansen - Rise of the Guitar Dragon Review (Feb 25, 2010)
Hi Paddy!I got your CD today and put it on in the car then embarked on many traffic violations (mostly speeding and swerving across several lanes). The cheese in my ears helped a lot, Thanks for the tip.My only complaint is that Dreamscape is way too short. That needed to go on for 20 more minutes, at least. I had to keep starting it over after 4 1/2 minutes.Rock on! Hope the finger blisters are healing.
Evan Whitney - Rise of the Guitar Dragon Review (Dec 5, 2009)
I really have to say that this album is by far your best work. Every song on that baby has something to offer. I can't wait for the follow up.
Most notable: Twilight....This song blew me clear out of my shoes. My hair stands up every time I hear that song. Quite possibly a perfect song. I don't have legitimate words to describe how big of a fan I am of this song without sounding too gay. This song almost made me crap my pants when I 1st heard it. It's been on repeat on my discman ever since. Unbelievable song dude.
Nathan Mina - Rise of the Guitar Dragon Review (Jan 3, 2010)
Very cool and trippy piece of work here. I'm holding back a half star only because I like my drums a little more in front. Otherwise this album is a great, cohesive, spacey audio painting. (Paddy L. calls it a graphic novel, but I prefer looking at pictures. Wait... that's what a graphic novel is. Never mind.) This artist knows how to make an album, not just a bunch of songs. I hope I don't have to wait another 4 years for the next masterpiece.
Evan Whitney - Ed's Head Review
(Nov 1, 2007)
The master just keeps putting the bar a tad higher....The album is superb paddy. You'll have to get it out on tour now...Can't wait to hear that you're playin it live.It would be a terrible travesty not to be seen in the clubs....Rock On...
Don N. - Ed's Head Review
(Oct 13, 2007)
I love Paddy's work and this is my favorite of his albums so far. Killer guitar riffs, extremely heartfelt, sincere, and smart. Highly recommended.
Jon Camp - Ed's Head Review
(Oct 17, 2007)
Nice work, Mr. L. Highly cerebral yet not pretentious. The formal word is precise but not pedantic, and the common word is exact without vulgarity. Or at least that's how T.S. Eliot would put it.
Jesse - Ed's Head Review
(Sep 30, 2007)
sweet album.. everything from burning riffs and solos to the clock ticking inside of ed's head
Kris Groth - Ed's Head Review
(Oct 15, 2007)
Ok, ok the first time around it was good enough. But this amounts to giving a straight into the heart shot of adrenaline to someone having a massive overdose on methamphetamine! No fooling around people this is THAT good. The Remaster Rocks! Love the addition of the new track at the end. The fact that this man is not selling out arenas is proof that there is no justice left in the music industry.
Tim N. - The Phoenix Project Review
Okay, if Fleetwood Mac is a shivering Chihuahua with scurvey, and Rob Zombie is say, a time-traveling conveyor belt full of skunk cabbages, Paddy Leitsch's The Phoenix Project is a pink jello mold (the fluffy whipped kind of jello...not that solid junk) sitting on a graham cracker crust, individually served in chilled ceramic ramekins and paired with the hair of the Chihuahua that bit you. It's THAT good.
John Jakacki - The Phoenix Project Review
One thing I miss about listening to albums, is the concept of listening to an entire album. Many CDs are more a collection of songs put out to fill 74 minutes. The Phoenix Project, however, is a complete experience from start to finish that pulls the listener through a variety of styles and thoughts making the entire experience greater than the sum of its parts. Playing all of the guitars, keyboards, and the bass himself, Leitsch manages to convey different styles and emotions in each compostion. Progressive rock songs like the title track and Dreamscape prove that hours spent in a practice room can result in virtuoso sounds that elevate a listener from the static of mainstream music. All I See Is You is an excellent jazz song that would not be out of place on a Wes Montgomery album. Falling Into Citadel showcases techno grooves that are thoughtfully composed, unlike the many monotonous noises that are played in clubs. Return To Black Mountain Side makes Jimmy Page wish he wasn't the sloppiest guitarist in the world. The title of the album is fitting. Listening to mainstream music (and even a lot of underground music) has left myself and many others disillusioned at times, but Leitsch has plunged himself into the flames and rises out with reasons to keep listening.
Mike Przygoda - The Phoenix Project Review
The Phoenix Project is a superbly crafted album with lots of moods to keep one guessing, yet holds together very well... even near the end when Paddy gets a little punchy wrapping it up. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, holding back one star to see if his next project can top this one. Whadaya say, Paddy? Are you up to the challenge? :-) *applause from me
Evan Whitney - Phoenix Project Review (Nov 30, 2004)
I have always been partial to this disc, ever since buying it on its first release. the difference is night and day now! Paddy has really brought out the best in these songs which were masterpieces in my opinion to begin with. If you have the thirst for great writing and original content this is the disc for you. Can't wait for the rest of the catalog to be re released.
Tim N. - Omniverse Review (Dec 25, 2005)
Paddy has put together a unique instrumental piece of art. I haven't heard anything like it and that's one of the things that I like most. Original and done with feeling. The other, obvious thing, is his great musicianship and composition. Look forward to hearing more.
Eman - Phoenix Project Review (Sep 20, 2003)
Having been lucky enough to jam with Paddy in years past I've come to know what he is capable of and ladies this is just a small piece of the pie --- and man do I like pie. With this album Paddy is able to throw down songs and make it sound easy (how does he do that???). Very genuine, melodic, original pieces....something for the whole family. Basically this album rips. Buy it, tell your friends, get those 2 girls next door to buy it.
Nova Norm - Phoenix Project Review (Jan 9, 2004)