Greetings, music enthusiasts! Welcome to the latest edition of Guitar World Editors’ Selections – your go-to monthly roundup of the guitar tracks that have enthralled our editorial team over the past month.
With the help of our curated Spotify playlist below,we’ve compiled our top new releases from July,highlighting the performances,tones,and songwriting that have ignited our passion for the six-string.
this month’s standout tracks feature a blisteringly technical new single from a rising shred virtuoso, an exuberantly optimistic post-punk anthem, a delightful indie tune described as “ear candy,” and some captivating jazz fusion that breaks away from the classic ’70s mold.
Michael Astley-Brown – Editor-in-Chief
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Track of the Month: Baxty – Threshold (ft. Pierre Danel)
Meet Bastian Martinez, a 26-year-old guitar prodigy from Chile, known in the music world as Baxty. His latest track,Threshold,showcases that true virtuosity can flourish beyond the confines of social media. Baxty masterfully blends the ethereal progressive sounds of Dream Theater with the intricate rhythmic patterns reminiscent of Animals as Leaders.
His rapid alternate-picking serves as the song’s thrilling core, while his expressive bends evoke the essence of Joe Satriani’s golden era. To elevate the track further, Pierre Danel from Novelists delivers a jaw-dropping solo filled with impeccably clean sweep picking.This is modern technical guitar playing at its finest.
Also Featured:
- Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery - The Black Sea
- Queens of the Stone Age – easy Street (ft. Nikki Lane)
- Emma Ruth Rundle – Enough
Matt Parker – Deputy Editor
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Track of the Month: Protomartyr – Sounds We Cannot Hear
In the past decade, the post-punk genre has seen its fair share of dark and aggressive sounds, a fitting reaction to the tumultuous times. Though, the initial glimpse of Protomartyr’s upcoming album, Hotel Usona, offers a refreshing sense of resilience.
While the lyrics may not be all sunshine and rainbows (the opening line reads, “Another 81 dead since dawn”), the chaotic guitar work of Greg Ahee breaks through the gloom, revealing a melody that feels like a rallying cry. the brass and keys add a rich texture, creating a sound that feels both hopeful and innovative.
Also Featured:
- Devil Master – You Worms’ Vain Delusions
- Steve Lacy - Doom
- Grandmas house – Blue Oblivion
Jackson Maxwell - Operations Editor
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Track of the Month: the Strokes – going to Babble On
While I appreciate The Strokes for their willingness to experiment, I sometiems feel they drift aimlessly through AutoTune-infused waters on their latest album, Reality Awaits, their first release in six years. however, the track Going to Babble On stands out as a highlight, showcasing the often-overlooked dual guitar synergy of Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi.
Describing their dynamic as “one riffs while the othre colors the sound” is akin to stating “I need air to breathe!” Yet, their ability to craft killer riffs, complemented by warbly leads and stunning arpeggios, is undeniable. And don’t miss that Thin Lizzy-esque flourish at the end – after all, Thin Lizzy had punk roots at their core.
Also Featured:
- Billboard Style – Billboard Style
- The Linda Lindas – Closer (ft. Hayley Williams)
- Hermanos Gutiérrez – Los Ojos del Cóndor
Matt Owen – News Editor
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Track of the Month: Hovvdy – You Will Go Far
This month’s playlist showcases a plethora of intense, technical, and downright loud music, which is fantastic. I had Polyphia as my highlight last month, and I’m not complaining.
Though, my go-to track this month has been something a bit more mellow. You Will Go far, the latest single from Hovvdy’s upcoming album, is pure auditory bliss. Its soothing acoustic melodies will have you feeling weightless, making it an excellent backdrop for improvisation and creativity.
Also Featured:
- beabadoobee - Switchblade
- Nothing But Thieves – Stray Dogs
- PRESIDENT – dark heaven
Janelle Borg - Staff Writer
Track of the Month: Marla Kether – Reverse
You may have seen Marla Kether captivating audiences on stage, holding down the bass for the acclaimed British rapper Little Simz. Though, what you might not know is that Kether is a talented artist in her own right.
Her latest track, Reverse, is a funky delight that offers a sneak peek into her upcoming album, Luso.
Blending latin jazz with broken beat, the track is anchored by Kether’s infectious bassline, brought to life through her Squier Jazz Bass, affectionately named “Scout.” This establishes her as one of the moast exciting bass talents not just in the UK, but perhaps on the global jazz stage.
Also Featured:
- Charli XCX – Camera
- Los Bitchos – Hang Up (Pt 2) ft.Sinkane & Adrian Quesada
- Toast – Two Hearts
