Review: Philip Sayce – Scorched Earth Volume 2 – Live in LA/London
Philip Sayce – Scorched Earth Volume 2 Live in LA/London
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Atomic Gemini Records
Release: 2026
Text: Martien Koolen
Acclaimed guitar picker Philip Sayce releases a wonderful liver album, recorded at the Baked Potato (L.A.) and The Garage in London, and this highly explosive live album features eight songs. Sayce is “backed up” by his wonderful band, consisting of Sam Bolle (bass guitar) and Bryan Head (drums) and the musical chemistry between these three musicians is truly electrifying indeed!
‘Scorched Earth Volume 2’ kicks off with One Foot In The Grave; a track with riffs, grooves, hooks, and arpeggios galore; setting the tone for this impressive guitar album for sure. Follow up Once is clearly slower, more mellow, and extremely relaxed, while Bitter Monday features a couple of brilliant, dazzling solos by Sayce; man, this guy can play a mean guitar indeed.
Peace Machine, the longest track of the album, is almost a perfect modern, emotional blues rock song, while Lady Love Divine is a sheer rocker with lots of energy and power. 5:55 is a 100% soaring guitar explosion and the bluesy rocker Morning Star was already released as a single.
This awesome guitar album ends with a cover, and it is a cover of the best guitar player ever – Jimi Hendrix of course – called Spanish Castle Magic, and although I am not a fan of covers, I have to say that Sayce nailed Spanish Castle Magic for almost 100%. However, Sayce’s version of this Hendrix-classic is definitely heavier, as he plays it at full force indeed.
‘Scorched Earth Volume 2’ is a must have album for guitar addicts and guitar lovers; play it LOUD and play along on your air guitar; love it!
Listening tip: Bitter Monday
Tracks:
01. One Foot In The Grave
02. Once
03. Bitter Monday
04. Peace Machine
05. Lady Love Divine
06. 5:55
07. Morning Star
08. Spanish Castle Magic
Website: https://www.philipsayce.com/