The primary vocal album in 34 years from the previous Sure guitarist (there was a killer instrumental CD in 2012 referred to as Jacaranda) maintains the idiosyncratic panache and harmonic earmarks heard on a number of Sure albums and his movie soundtracks for Armageddon, Nationwide Treasure, and Con Air.

Enjoying all devices besides drums (that are dealt with by longtime sideman Lou Molino), Rio is laden with crashing energy chords, upside-down guitar licks, and melodies that persist with the ribs.

The primary single, “Massive Errors,” has acoustic guitar confronting staccato electrical strains, merging with piano, synthesizer, orchestral thrives. Tremendous-duper soloing highlights the bold “Push,” and Rabin whips out the steel-string for Di Meola-like thrives on “Oklahoma,” whereas “Thandi” exhibits that an orchestra chief like Rabin can really shred. On “Goodbye,” he places on his cowboy hat and goes full hoedown with nation pull-offs.

All through the album, we witness know-how on the mercy of Rabin’s robust musical concepts, blissfully not the opposite approach round. By the point listeners attain the odd-time-signature vocal stacking of “Egoli” and extreme acoustic and electrical work out of “Poisonous,” it’s time to cease listening – and begin working towards.

This text initially appeared in VG’s December 2023 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.