Cassette Review: White Reeves "Who Is Guitarman?" (White Reeves Productions)

[$5 // Edition of 100 // https://whitereevesproductions.bandcamp.com/album/who-is-guitarman-wrp001]

"Who Is Guitarman?" is the first release on White Reeves Productions and it is indeed by White Reeves.    So it would appear as if White Reeves (which is a duo) decided to put out not only their music but the music of others as well.   Boyz II Men-ABC-BBD-the East Coast Family.   Ya dig?    Also, it's worth noting that I'm not entirely certain whether or not this cassette ever answers the question as to who Guitarman is exactly but perhaps he needs to remain unknown, like The Phantom, The Question or Powdered Toast Man.

The music begins with big horns which for whatever reason remind me of vikings.   I've not watched "How to Train Your Dragon" in a while, but these remind me of a more realistic, scary sort of vikings, not a family friendly cartoon version.    Cymbal rides join in and this just overall sounds triumphant.   It's not as if the vikings are calling other vikings but rather as if they are boasting about a victory.

Guitar notes come in as well (Guitarman is a viking!) and then there are audio samples of "ah"'s and some boing type noises as well, manipulated and looped around in a manner which reminds me of Gene and his keyboard on "Bob's Burgers".    This turns 8bit, sort of like "Knight Rider", and then there are space lasers, deep guitar notes and an audio clip to end the side.

Side B begins with beeps and frequencies and somehow feels bubbly.    The sounds take us deep underwater as dramatic tones and trill enter.   There are footsteps and crackling static, which set a serious mood and overall this takes on the form of those infamous sounds for the main theme from "Law & Order".

So while "Who Is Guitarman?" doesn't have that much guitar in it (And I was kind of expecting some kind of Stevie Ray Vaughan type of deal here) it does give you something to think about from the deepest depths of the oceans to the farthest regions of space.    As the beginning reminded me of vikings, that idea did stick with me throughout and now all I can think about is those vikings fight dragons in space.

Think about the physics of it-- how do dragons breathe fire in space?  Is it simply a matter of them not being able to and that is why the vikings somehow lured them up there?   If there can be a movie called "Space Cowboys" then clearly we have can have space vikings.   Who's with me?    Oh, but you might hear something else on here, and that's okay.   I'll just be over here, storyboarding ideas for my next comic book.