Andy McKee
Gates Of Gnomeria

Let me begin by stating that this is not "Art Of Motion." It's a record focused more on the atmosphere of the pieces. In "Art Of Motion," there was a more direct approach to the piece, guitar-wise, only with acoustic guitar, whereas here we also see the use of a fretless bass in some tracks of the record.

The pieces, as usual, by merely listening to them, encapsulate stories and sensations that only Andy McKee can convey. In my opinion, the most beautiful piece from this perspective is "She." This makes it clear that his timbre has remained unchanged. In fact, he remains the great guitarist he has always been, capable of communicating something with just the pluck of a string.

The album opens with "Gates Of Gnomeria," a beautiful piece that, with the use of a Harp Guitar, which has a very dark timbre, gives quite a grotesque sensation, really comparable to the album's title, but with a mid-song change that really stuns. "I'll Be Over You" is a Toto cover arranged really well, as is "Venus As a Girl" by Bjork. Andy McKee had already arranged a very famous song by Toto called "Africa," present in his album "Dreamcatcher."

Other pieces from the album that, in my opinion, should be highlighted are: "7-14," a warm yet subtle slow melody; "All Laid Back And Stuff," likewise a sweet melody in the style of "When She Cries"; "Nakagawa Sun," a stunning piece—here I really can't describe it, just listen to it and you'll understand; "She," which is simply a masterpiece that truly captures his way of playing; and finally, what I believe to be the album's standout piece, although I don't think it fits with the other pieces, "Ebon Coast." This composition is simply ingenious but is played with a baritone guitar, and if we look at the rest of the pieces, they mostly have higher tunings, not baritone. This creates a lot of distance from the rest of the album, and I believe that’s why it was left for last.

There are dull moments in the album, but otherwise, it flows very well. It is still an album I recommend for its incredible melodies and because it truly manages to tell stories through music. Furthermore, this is an album that I believe will be appreciated more by those who are already fans of Andy McKee rather than those listening for the first time.