"I'm not a fan of the multi genre-tag system rock music has created for itself, so when the second album from guitar driven instrumental act LoNero landed in my home with the proud boast that this band had created "Guitarcore", I have to say that I gave a little inward sigh. So what is guitarcore I hear you ask? Well judging from JFL, the simple(ish) answer to that would appear to be everything from guitar based rock that ranges across melodic rock to punk, as well as metal ranging from the funk variety to the power category. Maybe it is easier to think of Joe Satriani with a slightly wider remit and you won't be far off.
Now all of that immediately describes why I think that with JFL LoNero may have created themselves a double edged sword, because I know that people who will genuinely get a huge amount out of this sharp, well crafted, song based album will have already been put off by the thought of another instrumental based guitar led album. Reviewers can say until they are blue in the face that what LoNero do is different from most shredders or as their work is known "guitar wank" albums, but there's no doubt that it won't be enough to convince those who believe that they need lyrics and vocals to really make an album complete, and that is a real shame. JFL isn't an excuse for musicians to show off and while there can be no doubt that Bill Lonero is a six-string sage, he uses his talent to tell simple musical stories embellished with a little sparkles of colour and simply wonderful tone. Ably backed by Mike McKaigg on bass, Brandon Hayes on rhythm/harmony guitar and Marco Bicca on drums, what LoNero the band do is rock and rock hard!
What is also impressive about JFL is that not only does it not matter one iota that LoNero don't have a singer, but that they manage to do so while creating a wonderfully eclectic, yet cohesive album. "Fat Tat" could be from a long lost Ramones out-take that Satriani found lying around, "Downside" funks things up like The Electric Boys on happy pills, while "Oblivion" dives off into prog-metal territory, but without the overwrought baggage that suggests and "King Of Damage" oozes bluesy class in the manner that Clutch would be proud of. Yes it sounds like a slightly odd mix, but believe me when I say that the songs work both individually and as a cracking album!
Put the preconceptions away and indulge yourself in an instrumental album that has as much, if not more power, emotion and clarity than most of the lyric based acts around. LoNero deserve to be huge, it's up to you to get them there!" - Steven Reid/Sea of Tranquility
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