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Alex Anthony Faide — Particles of the Infinite
(7d Media no#, 2022, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2022-04-16

Particles of the Infinite Cover art

Alex Anthony Faide is one of many guitarists around the world who have come through Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft programs, and although he has played with many other artists (especially others associated with Guitar Craft), Particles of the Infinite is his first solo release. The album consists of the nine-part title suite, and is a veritable orgy of complex guitar parts worked into tricky rhythms and edgy tonalities. Think of Red, Discipline, and Thrak distilled together into a whirlwind of sound. Obviously listeners who don’t like King Crimson will be left cold; for those who do like Crimson, the question becomes, “Is this more of the same, or a valid statement on its own?” I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m landing on the positive side. This is a great set of tracks that take Fripp’s ideas and techniques in a slightly different direction. Only “slightly,” mind you, but it’s enough for me. Faide’s technique may be superbly precise, but he has a fondness for grittier tones than Fripp normally uses, giving many of these tracks a different type of intensity. Most of the time, there are multiple guitar parts going on, as well as bass, all handled by Faide himself. He’s joined by three different top-flight drummers on the various sections: Matt Chamberlain, Pat Mastelotto, and Alessandro Inolti. “Part V” is one of the most interesting sections. It starts out with an intense “Red” vibe, including some precise stops, but brings in some refreshing major-chord tonalities in the arpeggios to contrast with the frequent tritones. It goes through several variations and combinations of material until around the seven minute mark, when the instruments drop away, leaving us with ethereal soundscapes for four minutes of calm before we get “Part VI,” which is a track that stands out due to its un-Frippish nature. This one is quite melodic and features sparkling guitars playing chords more like Anthony Phillips than Robert Fripp. (I know Fripp has a melodic side, so don’t bombard me with counterexamples.) “Part VII” might be my favorite due to its almost funky riff. He brings it all home with the last two parts: a dramatic anthem and a lovely coda. Particles of the Infinite is an outstanding debut from an outstanding guitarist who has a lot to offer beyond mere Crimson imitation, and I’m sure there will be great things to come from him.

Filed under: New releases, 2022 releases

Related artist(s): Pat Mastelotto, Alex Anthony Faide

More info
http://alexanthonyfaide.bandcamp.com

 

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