Originally from Cleveland, Alec Berlin moved to New York City twenty-five years ago has shared the stage with the likes of Elton John, James Taylor, Rob Thomas, Ben Folds, Kenny Wheeler and Rufus Wainwright as well as performing in dozens of Broadway shows including Rent, Wicked, The Lion King and Bright Star.

This is not my first introduction to the music of Alec Berlin, and I am always eager to hear more from this exceptionally talented musician. Space Punk And Other Junk is his latest album and was released on 27/04/2023.

As always, this album is a clever mix of a different genres from classic rock, where its fundamentals roots lie, to progressive rock to AOR.

The guitar work is extremely impressive, with heavy classic rock riffs, to intricate solos, and I can hear influences from a wide range of guitar players, from Hank Marvin of the Shadows to Gary Moore and Dave Gilmour. There are elements of funk and jazz thrown in for good measure and there is excellent use of both acoustic and electric guitars, that create a great contrast.

Behind the guitar work, the drumming ranges from the more laid-back to full on energetic drum work with lots of crashing cymbals and the basslines are funky and creates a groove to the album. Electronic synths are also used, and this adds to the funkiness of the album, creating a winning formula.

The album is instrumental, so no words to sing along to, but you will certainly hum along to the melodies, as they are incredibly infectious and catchy. There is always something to listen to, so the listener is always engaged in the music and this album really does have so much to offer. It’s very progressive in places and experimental in others and I really think this will appeal to fans of classic rock, progressive rock, AOR, and blues alike.

Another great release!

Track Listing:

1) Space Punk

2) Man’s Best Friend

3) Beat Confabulator (All Night On The Floor)

4) LaNoise

5) Minir Maad

6) Patchen Avenue

7) Life In The Bog

8) What I Wish I Had Said

9) Iota (Not One)

10) President’s Day

11) Flatbush Jaywalk

12) ROYGBIV

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum