Artist: John Botica Title: Between the Shadows Label: Laughing Outlaw File Under: Guitar-focussed rock with a conscience RIYL: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Page Well here's something you don't hear every day - a guitar-based album that doesn't sound like Satriani or Santana. John Botica's first solo release (apart from a punk/rock history, the man's played on three Tiny Tim records), Between the Shadows features seven tracks with vocals, and two instrumentals, all co/written by Botica apart from a bizarre rending of the Fleetwood Mac tune "Albatross" where the siren-like vocals of Johnette Roland drift languidly over Botica's plucked melodies. If you like guitar-focussed music, then Between the Shadows will prove rewarding. Botica's style is expansive and eclectic enough to take in numerous styles, from pseudo-flamenco to semi-thrash. For those of us not easily impressed by a quick set of fingers, Botica's voice and lyrics will take the forefront - at times his deep throaty croon echoes Johnny Cash, at other's, especially "So Hard" he sounds almost like the master Lou Reed. Botica addresses social issues throughout, which can grate, and it's when he's at his most lyrically vulnerable in "Lovers Roadside" that something more touching becomes apparent. As to whether this will summon any fans outside the genres Botica works in is debatable, but I don't imagine he's particularly concerned. For guitar fans there's enough here to keep you rocking well into the night but again if you don't like layers of riffery and fretwork, stay way clear.