A veteran Rock-n-Roll figure at this stage, Myles Kennedy is a name many know quite well. Involved in bands from a very young age, some may recall his work with The Mayfield Four, but most recognize him as the vocalist of Alter Bridge or from his with Slash as Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. However, everyone should also see him as a solo artist. Putting out his first solo album in 2018 with Year of the Tiger, in 2021 he followed up soundly with The Ides of March. Three years later the acclaimed vocal powerhouse Myles Kennedy has once again claimed center stage with his forthcoming album The Art of Letting Go.
Slated for release on October 11, 2024, through Napalm Records, his new music is already turning heads as a trio of pre-album releases (“Say What You Will,” “Nothing More To Gain,” and “Miss You When You’re Gone”) flooded the digital streaming highway. A raucous brand of Rock, each jackhammer the prefrontal cortex of fans everywhere with a surge of dopamine. Featuring thick guitar grooves, a ton of energy, and Kennedy’s signature vocal delivery, it stands to reason why anticipation is high for the release of The Art of Letting Go is drawing closer.
Ten songs in total, The Art of Letting Go is destined to leave a meteoric impression. Teaming with the accomplished Michael ‘Elvis’ Baskette once again (a producer Kennedy has worked with solo, as well as with Alter Bridge), joining him on drums is Zia Uddin, with Tim Tournier handling the bass. A strong mix of talent, it is important to mention that while Kennedy is a top-notch vocalist, he is also pretty darn good on guitar. Something Mark Tremonti only discovered after recruiting him to join Alter Bridge, in the years since the mainstream has also been educated on Kennedy’s guitar skills. With that in mind, it is important to point out that Kennedy is also a masterful storyteller. Employing his lyrical skills once again for The Art of Letting Go, he conveys an important PSA to the world to nurture your dreams and turn them into a reality, but you have to believe in yourself wholeheartedly. All you need to fuel your inner fire, the music surrounding this album creates a moonlight thrall of guitar riffs that churns and froths like incoming waves underscored by the rhythmic drum beats that ebb and flow consistently.
With so much to take in, “Say What You Will” stands out, resonating with unpopular and bullied individuals who hold big dreams in their hearts. Here we see that the underdog ultimately comes up on top because of a solid core of self-belief. Complete with a killer guitar intro, it is the perfect backdrop for Kennedy’s penetrating vocals as the melody comes funneling through. A force that is truthfully present throughout the entire record, other bold moments include “The Art of Letting Go.” The album’s namesake starts with a head-pounding interplay of guitar fingerplay and resounding vocals punctuating with hair-twirling guitar riffs that are second to none. Meanwhile, there is also “Mr. Downside” which is a full-on edgy piece that makes one want to stomp around and pound a fist in the air.
In all, The Art of Letting Go is evocative, aggressive, and mood-boosting. Without exaggeration, it can sink its anchors inside of you and release neurotransmitters that revive the leaden soul. It speaks to the angst-driven and gives you that extra boost you need to overcome obstacles. The Art of Letting Go sends a crystal-clear message that Myles Kennedy continues to prove he is one of Modern Rock’s most impassioned vocalists while still keeping a heavier edge. This is why Cryptic Rock gives this impressive album 5 out of 5 stars.
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