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We have many threads discussing favourite solos in terms of melody, technical ability etc, but what about those solos that are based on sound, texture, aggression, dissonance, feedback, crazy effects etc, that add to the feel of that song? Solos don’t always need to be technically perfect or follow the rules or even any kind of scale or theory, be that deliberate or not. Perhaps it’s a simple repeated phrase or melody. For want of a better phrase, I’ve titled this ‘noise’ solos, but there may be a better phrase, and you may have a different interpretation of it, which is fine. Here's a thread where Lukather and Gilmour will not be suggested!
There are a few guitarists that specialize in this form. I could pick many examples by Page Hamilton of Helmet, one of my all-time fave guitarists. He is a jazz-trained guitarist, but a specialist in aggressive, dissonant solos, which sound barely under control, though of course, he knows exactly what he’s playing. It’s almost like a mad free-jazz sax solo. The fact it almost sounds like it's falling apart, but in fact, has a structure behind it to match the change of chords, is highly effective. Ironhead is a classic example of his style, the tempo is increased as the solo comes in, causing an exhilarating effect of momentum and speed (great driving or running music). It sounds like the springs are being attacked and stretched with an angle grinder. Some might dismiss it as aimless noise, but to me, it’s highly effective and as good as any highly technical shred solo.
Other examples?
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Completely different style of music, but another solo consisting entirely of feedback: Talk Talk's "After The Flood" (approx 4:00 - 5:15), on YT this time:
@ewal good call on Swervedriver, one of my favourites!
Swervedriver, Ride, Nirvana.