THOMAS POLYCHUCK – Thomas Polychuck (2024 Deko)

Out of the gates, Thomas Polychuck’s new instrumental solo album impresses.  With former Dream Theater keyboard player Derek Sherinian on almost every track, the direction is instrumental progressive rock.  Derek has plenty of room to shine, frequently playing off with the guitar and providing loads of those vintage Dream Theater hooks.

The opener “Genèse” commences the album very much like the familiar bands we love so much, with big guitars.  It then goes on its own fun tangents.  This fascinating track has guitar melodies and a really cool interlude with flute sounds.  Anyone who enjoys instrumental guitar rock will dig this track.  Sherinian adds loads of texture on keys.

Simon Phillips gets things going on “The Cyclone” with a cool tribal sounding drum intro.  Then Polychuck and Sherinian get jamming on a funky little groove, incorporating jazz, shredding, and rock riffing.  You can hear things reminiscent of Richie Kotzen’s solo work in the notes.  Derek and Thomas sound like they’re having a blast soloing with each other.  It sounds very live, however they achieved it.

Polychuck goes full jazz on “Dieze11”, a lovely piece with soft guitar and piano.  The soft drums are a nice change of pace, and the busy bassline has room to breathe.  The main feature is the guitar, which lingers nowhere for very long, before darting off in another direction.  The result is that it feels like the guitar is telling a little story.

Back to the shred, “1316” breaks off at a speedy pace, like a metal rocket fuelled by guitar.  Derek continues to complement the music with keyboard textures that explore different sounds and voices.  Though the guitars are cranked up, you can still hear jazz note choices in the solos.  Then, suddenly it breaks into a Rush-like groove from the mid-80s.

“Construct” gets even heavier, but fortunately Polychuck has the wisdom to lay down a more melodic guitar line overtop the heavy chords.  Between the guitar and keyboards, there are a lot of tasty bits here to grab on to.  “They Carry On” is another jazz number with upright bass by Maciek.  Picture a smoky jazz club at night.  Not too loud, and totally authentic.  Polychuck allows the bass to have its moment.   It is followed by the awesome “Reality”, an anthemic guitar number with some very nice melodic elements.

The unexpected ballad “Sign From Beyond the Veil” is the most beautiful track on the album.  With subtle organ by Chris Madden, Polychuck’s guitar sings softly of hopeful feelings.  A very uplifting track, with a vibe like classic Joe Satriani.  Soft though it may be, there are a lot of interesting guitar sounds going on.

The final track is a driver called “Retold Story” featuring Brian Tichy on drums.  The drums kick on this one, and Polychuck goes once again for a storytelling guitar style.  He goes from fast to slow, mood to mood, never staying too long in one place, but always offering interesting sounds and licks.

Having heard Polychuck’s earlier music, with influences across the board from pop to dance to metal, and now here with hardcore progressive rock and authentic jazz, one wonders where he can go next?  Classical, country, blues?  The sky is the limit for this talented musician.  This album would be cherished by lovers of musicianship, and those moments when progressive rock meets jazz.  An unexpected treat to finish 2024 with a flourish.

4/5 stars