Album Review: Bruce Mathiske - My Life

It's a big call to name your album My Life and hit the road for a national tour. Bruce Mathiske is a top-shelf guitarist who has survived both physical and personal traumas to establish his guitar work and songwriting credentials on an international scale. What makes this – his 17th album – so good, though, is the wonderful balance of playing and choice of songs. My Life is not only well produced, it's a reminder that he is one of the best guitarists in the country.

The combination of Latin and Australian themes seems to be at the head of Mathiske's songwriting. After the synth washes on the title track it doesn't take long before there are some Spanish and Samba feels being laid down. The Latin-infused In Rhythm and Destination Morocco allow him to enjoy the freedom of his fret board. There is also a sense of humour on tracks like Make Your Bed and Chet Mate. Whether there is the classical joy and perfection expressed on a song like The Bridge or the passion exuded on the gypsy rollick of I'm Not The Same, Mathiske is a true virtuoso.

Perhaps one of the most interesting tracks is the cover of Pink Floyd's The Wall/Is There Anybody Out There, which is a brilliant excuse for Mathiske to really rock out. The other cover, Paint It Black, is restrained and would have made Brian Jones proud. Mathiske is heading out on tour to support this record so it's a perfect time to hear these songs in a live setting where they will no doubt shine. My Life is a well embellished instrumental album that will easily stand the test of time.