Battle Studies John Mayer Sony Rs 299; Rating *** He has been bestowed titles like the New Guitar God and nicknamed Slowhand Jr.,in the footsteps of Eric Clapton,but Your Body is a Wonderland star John Mayer still has boundaries to push and experimental chops to explore,which hes very much capable of. Then again,with his deft guitar-playing style and eloquent vocals,Mayer has constantly reinvented himself in his albums,including the latest,Battle Studies. From being an acoustic guy,he has wandered into more alternate/rock/pop/blues albums such as Heavier Things and Continuum. But his signature style remained precise guitar-playing and soulful chord progressions. So whats new about Battle Studies? The refined tones have a spacey undertone,which seamlessly flows through the album,and the melodies are vibrant. Clouds of sulphur in the air/ Bombs are falling everywhere/ Its heartbreak warfare Mayer belts out on the striking opening track,followed by Half of my Heart where country singer Taylor Swifts teensy contribution is hardly worth noticing. Who says flaunts Mayers dexterity for creating guitar melodies,as he boldly proclaims Who says I cant get stoned/ Call up a girl that I used to know/ Fake love for an hour or so/ Who says I cant get stoned. There is also a funky take on Robert Johnsons legendary track Crossroads. Melodious arpeggios merge with Steve Jordans pulsating drumming and Pino Palladinos fluid bass structures to create some noteworthy songs like Assassin,Edge of Desire and Do You Know Me. Mayers guitar god status,we realise again,is not about breakneck shred fest but precise playing. mohan.kumar@expressindia.com
