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2011 turned out to be quite a big year for Australian rock guitarist Joe Matera. Both his solo instrumental single 'Face Off' and his guest solo spot on UK metal legends Atomkraft's 'Cold Sweat' release, brought Matera's highly energetic, melodic and tasteful guitar playing to a wider international audience. Taking note of Matera's guitar prowess was European based label W.A.R Productions whom quickly signed Matera to a deal which saw Matera's new all electric solo instrumental EP Slave To The Fingers receive a European CD release. Slave To The Fingers features four brand new studio tracks, all showcasing Matera's six string talents at its best. The EP begins in bombastic fashion with a brief balls to the wall rocking interlude aptly titled 'Intro', before Matera's tasteful melodic playing takes center stage on the title track 'Slave To The Fingers'. Underscored by some eclectic styling, the track also features a special guest appearance by guitarist Mick McConnell from legendary rock band Smokie who contributes a breathtaking guitar solo on the track. Next up 'Cruise Control', leads the charge as the EP's first single and is a soaring melodious affair, peppered by harmony guitars and a spirit recalling the halcyon days of 1970's classic guitar rock. 'Out Of The Blue' shifts things into overdrive, with Matera's harder rocking elements coming to the fore, for an all out sonic ear assault before 'Face Off', Matera's first all electric instrumental single from early 2011, and here being issued for the first time on CD, closes the EP majestically. The tight, rocking rhythm section backing Matera on Slave To The Fingers is comprised of Englishman Tony 'Demolition' Dolan (Venom, Atomkraft) on bass and American James Strickler (Angellic Rage) on drums. A selection of Slave To The Fingers CD reviews from around the world
"...strong, edgy guitar instrumentals with highly developed melodies" - New Gandy Dancer (UK) “...Joe Matera ist ein australischer Gitarrist, der weniger durch absolute Geschwindigkeit und Tonleitern-Akrobatik glänzt, sondern im wahrsten Sinn des Wortes die Saiten singen lässt und mit viel Feeling eine relaxte (Santana-artige) Atmosphäre aufbaut, die den Hörer sofort die Sonne ins Herz zaubert” – Dark Scene Metal (Austria) “[Sonically]…Joe paints a colorful painting on a canvas. This is characterized by small and thin figures in an open composition, the emphasis being on the power of light and a wonderful tonality of colors that dance on the whole of the canvas…” – Metal Shock (Finland) “...Questo giovane chitarrista ha colpito nel segno con questa release piena di emozione e di tecnica dosata nella maniera giusta; ha dato un giusto assaggio del suo potenziale ai fan del rock melodico” - Heavy-Metal (Italy)
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New solo, all-electric instrumental EP 'Slave To The Fingers' now out on CD in Europe through W.A.R Productions. CD is available in selected stores across Europe, Australia and U.S.A including CD Baby. You can also click on 'Merch' page to purchase a copy of the CD directly through this website, and receive a bonus CD promo copy of Joe's acoustic 2010 acoustic single, 'Travellin' West'. A feature (in German) on Joe's new CD was recently published in Austria, in the country's largest Upper Austrian weekly news paper, TIPS.
* 'Cruise Control' officially added to in-store playlists of 1500 Australian retail outlets, these include Bunnings, McDonalds, Gloria Jeans, Vodafone, BCF, Rush Clothing, IKEA, Just Jeans stores, Rodd & Gunn (NZ Retail) PLUS the Rock audio channel at Sky TV Music in NZ. *
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