Deliciously elusive
author: Delusions of Adequacy
[Sleight of Hand] reveals the beginnings of a guitarist who seems poised to put the ‘emote’ back in ‘emo...’ Kates’ six-track instrumental album, recorded entirely at home, is an introduction to a raw and still blossoming guitarist who’s got the pedal and effects head of a seasoned studio musician... ultimately, Kates takes us there.
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author: Aiding & Abetting
Kates picks, strums and occasionally wails his way through these pieces. He does a fine job of telling stories without words.
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Epic soundscapes
author: Philip Stone - Splendid
"Rickenbacker" opens the disc with a sparsely layered sequence of heavily effected guitar lines and the epic soundscape [Kates] creates is both meditative and spiritual. "G&L" is moody and rich with reverb. "Stratocaster" goes for a cleaner sound, and this time Kates layers his guitar generously. It's a beautiful song that any anonymous listener would enjoy. What more could anyone hope for in this type of artistic outing?
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Cool, atmospheric tracks.
author: Chris Lupton - Impact Press
Being the guitar geek that I am (wow, a critic who's a frustrated musician; who would have imagined that?), I was immediately drawn in by the guitar signal chain diagram on the press sheet. It's just not something you see everyday. Kates uses only one guitar per song, running it through a series of effects pedals and loops to create some ethereal instrumentals. Even non-axe slingers can appreciate these cool, atmospheric tracks. (CL)
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