Paths Of Ignition

Matt Baldwin is the visionary wildcard of today's solo guitar music, the ambitious fever dreamer, the serpent in the grass. Towering tall with long blonde locks, he conjures from his axe dark and mystical realms. He calls his music 'New Age,' and he may not be joking.

Featured on Tompkins Square's 2006 Berkeley Guitar LP, Baldwin now steps into his own with his debut solo release. Unlike many of his peers, he looks beyond the traditions of Fahey (whom he calls 'a teacher,' not a god), bringing portentous and progressive elements into his music, alongside a dreamy country lilt. He covers Krautrock legends Neu! ('Weissensee') and metal Vikings Judas Priest ('Winter'), and culls inspiration from prog heroes Yes on the closing epic 'Rainbow.' His music comes on like a creeping moss, verdant but threatening, comforting yet unsettling. It will work its way inside you.