On Chromaticity, Tony reembarks on the stylistic direction undertaken in Violent Machine, stretching his boundaries beyond conventional neoclassical. There are neoclassical overtones, but the style on Chromaticity defies a genre. MacAlpine brings in new elements of harmonization to his fret work in a barrage of frantic, driving runs that are balanced with slower outside melodies and harmonization. The melodies are more complex and further outside the diatonic context than previous MacAlpine efforts, but it comes off well. The new melodic character is sustained throughout the album, keeping true to the title. The influence of Chopin's chromaticism on MacAlpine is evident as Tony takes it further than he ever has before, fusing it with other influences and his own, unending creativity. Chromaticity is almost like a fusion between neoclassical and jazz fusion and instrumental rock bringing stylistic elements from all.

Chromaticity comes out of the gate like a claustrophobic Thorougbred with the stand-out, lead off track, "Christmas Island" that sets the pace and the feel of the album. MacAlpine trades off blistering fast runs on the guitar and keyboard using some very unusual tonality and patterns that strike an appealing balance between an outside sound and digestible harmonization. The wild guitar runs are woven seamlessly with the chromatic melodies that form the themes that the composition is built around, always finding the trademark MacAlpine accessibility that makes them work. "Chromaticity" follows suit with a similar format, but different themes and different shredding, speedy runs that together form a synergy of relentless drive and relief. "City Beneath The Sea" offers a little more relief from the onslaught of chromatic shrapnel that MacAlpine blasts in the first two tracks. The third track is more melody-centric with some soulful, tasteful MacAlpine themes that constitute the basis of this composition. The melodies then open up into some faster playing that is still very melody-oriented, making "City Beneath The Sea" one of MacAlpine's tastiest tracks to date with its unusual yet accessible harmonization. Chromaticity continues on, exploring some unusual chromatic and boundary-stretching tonality that balances exploration and listener accessibility in a very tenuous fashion that pushes the edge of the envelope of what is digestible, but always stays within that limit.

If you liked the direction MacAlpine took in Violent Machine, you will most likely like Chromaticity. MacAlpine has made a serious effort to reinvent himself and stretch the boundaries of his musical scope beyond the neoclassical genre that many have pidgeonholed him. The signature speedy runs and catchy themes are still present, but the tonality is drastically different on Chromaticity. This new tonality makes this album interesting enough to take a listen, even if you aren't interested in straight-laced neoclassical (any longer). Chromaticity is a solid effort from MacAlpine with themes that grow on you the more you listen to them. You will have to reassess your understanding of MacAlpine after listening to this CD. Check it out.

~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com