Simon RushworthPaul Gilbert — WROC (Music Theories Recordings)
It feels churlish to describe WROC as a vanity project but let’s face the facts: Paul Gilbert’s never sounded so self-indulgent… or so good.
This 13-track deep dive into George Washington’s Rules of Civility is the very antithesis of commercial rock.
Neither is it a record conceived to satisfy audience demand — Gilbert’s fans surely had no idea they needed this genre-fluid history lesson in their lives.
In fact, the primary reason one of the greatest guitarists on the planet poured his heart and soul into this bold undertaking was for plain and simple, personal satisfaction.
Let’s not beat around the bush here — WROC is the very epitome of a vanity project.
And thank goodness Gilbert had the balls, self-belief and budget to bring this brilliant concept to life.
The 13 tracks here represent the Mr Big man’s first foray into a vocal-led solo album in 10 years.
Gilbert might not consider himself a singer, per se, but he’s always been surprisingly versatile behind the mic.
Detailing Washington’s famous manifesto on good manners (pinched from the English who stole its key teachings from the French) through trad metal, heavy blues, funk and Americana is no easy task.
But somehow Gilbert emerges as the perfect narrator on a record that demands clear diction, a passion for the subject and a keen understanding of the key themes.
He’s also perfectly placed to allow his guitar to do the talking when the times’ right.
And some of the axework here is simply heavenly.
Looking for the hard rock take on smash hit musical Hamilton? Let’s WROC!
WROC of ages
Losing sight of the story was surely the biggest danger facing Gilbert as he pieced together this ambitious magnum opus.
But by sticking to Washinton’s wise words and mixing up the background music, the whole things somehow makes sense from start to finish.
Conscience Is The Most Certain Judge hardly rolls off the tongue as a memorable song title but its Petty-esque melody is an earworm.
Mr Big meets Living Colour on the funky Turn Not Your Back (To Others).
And the trad metal fury at the heart of strident opener Keep Your Feet Firm And Even instantly had us hooked.
Gilbert admits he’s always struggled to find the words to complement the riffs.
So, in shaping WROC, he left the lyrics in Washington’s safe hands: a masterstroke from the fret master.
It means the story stays on track and the music’s given room to breathe.
Setting an 18th century rule book to 21st century rock isn’t for everyone.
But just listen to Gilbert as he lets rip on the 70s-styled heavy blues of Go Not Thither. The bloke’s a bona fide creative genius!
In trying to explain this posthumous collaboration, Gilbert describes Washington as his very own Bernie Taupin. A creative foil from beyond the grave and the inspiration for a unique body of work.
History — and civility — never sounded so good.
