Rock Music Critic

	Milan Polak
	Dreamscapes

	This disc has the distinction of being the first instrumental album to be reviewed on this site. I'd never heard of Milan Polak prior to receiving this promo, so until the second song on the disc ended, I wasn't aware it was an instrumental album. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, when I still thought of myself as a guitarist, I spent a lot of time enjoying albums by the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Marty Friedman, and some other spectacular instrumentalists. It never failed to amaze me (or intimidate me) hearing the amazing prowess of these guys. I never felt I could live up to that kind of talent, and well, I didn't. And so, with the passing of my aspirations of virtuosity, I didn't really listen to much of this style of music anymore. Though I must admit I still dust off "Surfing with the Alien" from time to time. Now, listening to Milan, I have to admit that I do rather miss listening to this type of music. Milan easily belongs in the same class as the aforementioned guitar heroes. He certainly knows his way around a fret-board. But the talent does not end with technical skill alone. Oh no, this is hardly the case. These songs are catchy as all hell and infused with more melody than you can shake a Satriani at. I think "Dreamscapes" is a good title for the album, because many of the songs give the impression soaring along through vast open spaces. So, if you can dig awesome instrumental music, I heartily recommend this album. You won't find any metal thrashing madness here my metallic friends, but a little beauty once in awhile is a good thing, even for metalheads.
TRACKLIST: Panic Room Girlfriends Dreamscapes Spanish Romance Quicksilver Slowgold Joyride Contrapunctus III 4 A.M. Shadowdance Ground Zero Straight Ahead Sometimes I Still Miss You