Northern Irish guitarist Joe Hodgson brought himself back into the music scene following a four-year tour and writing period that allowed him to develop his artistic skills with his double A-side instrumental release titled “The Grass Is Greener / Shapeshifting.” Through his expressive guitar techniques Hodgson creates musical landscapes which evoke more than words could express and match his belief that “words can lie while my guitar remains honest.”
Both tracks on this release showcase Hodgson’s ability to fuse diverse musical styles into a seamless and emotive experience. “The Grass Is Greener” represents a musical masterpiece which brings together blues with jazz and rock and Indian-inspired musical elements. This musical piece recounts the multidirectional events of life while tracking human beings as they search for eternal contentment and happiness. The musical diversity in “Shapeshifting” moves between baroque melodies with Irish jigs and rock and roll tones including Thin Lizzy-like harmonies because it depicts human identity’s constant metamorphosis.
Hodgson handles guitar with a detailed and emotional touch to deliver strong riffs and touchingly sweet melodies with equal skill. Each piece in his composition flow organically while remaining unpredictable yet continually gripping throughout the release.
This new double A-side strengthens Hodgson’s position in music while giving listeners a peek into what he will sell as his complete release. The combination of fearless exploration and raw emotional depth in “The Grass Is Greener / Shapeshifting” establishes Joe Hodgson as someone who breaks musical barriers while leading audiences on compositions of sonic and personal exploration.
