Jakub Zytecki – ‘Ladder Head / Feather Bed’ (Album Review)
There may be countless technically accomplished guitarists in the world, but Jakub Zytecki is one of a kind. The best musicians are not only able to impress using flashy chops and virtuosic gymnastics – they also succeed in making us feel something. With Ladder Head and Feather Bed – two EPs set to be combined into one full-length release – Jakub Zytecki has succeeded in every respect.
“This is music made for long evenings under slow sunsets, spent in warm climes with a group of great friends and a cool drink”
Since I first got into instrumental guitar music through the first live G3 DVD from 1996, I’ve always had a soft spot for Eric Johnson’s lush, spacious approach – and Jakub Zytecki’s own style reflects it to great effect. This is music made for long evenings under slow sunsets, spent in warm climes with a group of great friends and a cool drink. Ladder Head (the song) sets that vibe up immediately, using an intro that reminded me of Submotion Orchestra’s Colour Theory – and the quality level remains consistent from that point onward.
Jakub Zytecki’s new creative direction is fucking awesome, not to mention awe-inspiring. Ladder Head / Feather Bed is a stunning and surprisingly peaceful pair of sets, an inviting mass of slinky licks, gorgeous chords, luxurious ambience, precisely processed samples, carefully constructed solos, and even soulful vocal performances. Highlight-wise, I’d go for Yesterdead’s outro stabs, all of As You Are, Mandala’s strident riffs, the heavy dynamics that set Opened apart, and the stumbling groove right at the end of Feather Bed.
But honestly, both of these EPs make for extremely rewarding listening whether taken in separately or in sequence. They’re also great teasers for Jakub Zytecki’s upcoming solo long-player, due in the autumn – not to mention his future work with Disperse.
Overall: Fuck.
Just listen to it.
LTK RATING: 90% (Essential Listening!)
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