After listening to Conradical it's probably say that the UK is still capable of producing exciting, refreshing guitar instrumental music.  “Conradical” has been with this reviewer for a number of weeks now and it has been played to death in the car, the house and, wait for it, the garden. It’s safe to say that a lot of my local residents have heard snippets of Conrad’s playing whether they liked it or not.

From the opening number “Dr Thompson’s Case Book” right the way through to the final track “Finally 1” the thing that strikes you over and over about Harpham's playing is the wonderful fluidity, an almost liquid like feel to many of the incendiary runs. His technique is also  at a very high level enabling notes to jump out even during the lightning fast melody sequences. A lot of players find a pattern to play fast  take Zakk Wylde and his pentatonic sequences, but stick around the same part of the guitar neck. It works for players like Paul Gilbert and Eric Johnson who use it to great effect whereas Harpham takes his sequences, extends them and really makes them travel the whole length of the guitar's neck giving a fantastic feeling of forward momentum. Imagine Yngwie's opening solo on “Never Die” to get an idea of what I’m attempting to portray. Likewise the guitar tone itself  is smooth and full, a mixture of Vinnie Moore and Joe Satriani and some of the phrasing also has a Satch like vibe but believe me when I say Harpham is very much his own player.

Overall “Conradical” is a great album chock full of fearless playing both musically and technically and is guaranteed to put a smile on any guitar fans face who likes musicians to dazzle and defy the norms of playing. If talent was the only factor needed to get to the next level Harpham would be close to the top of the pile. Sadly we live in the days where a big slice of luck is sometimes needed to break through and on that thought this reviewer wishes Conrad all the luck possible in achieving his dreams.

Contact:  www.conradharpham.co.uk

Al Hey