Vortex

Sonar's fourth release Vortex reflects the sound of surprise. After three uncompromising quartet albums exploring the edges of minimalist groove, the Swiss group has partnered with renowned guitarist, composer and producer David Torn for its RareNoise debut.
The band, comprised of guitarists Stephan Thelen and Bernhard Wagner, bassist Christian Kuntner and drummer Manuel Pasquinelli have long been celebrated for combining the visceral power and dynamics of art rock with a minimalist aesthetic…

With a diverse discography that puts even the hardest working musician to shame, he has spent more than thirty years building a reputation as the go-to for those serious about the keys on their record, at the same time releasing a string of solo releases, each one more accomplished than the last. Starting with 1999’s Planet X, his most recent release was 2020’s The Phoenix, his first in nine years and re-establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the solo arena. In 2022 he returns with the mighty Vortex, eight tracks built on his signature chameleonic sound that blends rock with elements of funk, prog, and jazz, which he started writing even before The Phoenix was finished. “Vortex is a continuation of The Phoenix,” he states. “However I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern day 70s style fusion record, but with newer heavier tonality.”

With a diverse discography that puts even the hardest working musician to shame, he has spent more than thirty years building a reputation as the go-to for those serious about the keys on their record, at the same time releasing a string of solo releases, each one more accomplished than the last. Starting with 1999's Planet X, his most recent release was 2020's The Phoenix, his first in nine years and reestablishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the solo arena. In 2022 he returns with the mighty Vortex, eight tracks built on his signature chameleonic sound that blends rock with elements of funk, prog, and jazz, which he started writing even before The Phoenix was finished. "Vortex is a continuation of The Phoenix," he states. "However I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern day 70s style fusion record, but with newer heavier?tonality."

Vortex is Neal Schon’s ninth solo album, and is an all instrumental exploration of rock, jazz and world music. Stepping into this album was like stepping into an alien world. It was dangerous and exciting, beautiful and alluring, and gave you this sense of wonder. The best thing about this album was that it got you lost somewhere. The rhythm and beat gives a nice, steady ground to walk on while the guitar dazzles and reverberates through your entire body. The energy from it is intense and you could tell it was going to be one of those albums within seconds after pressing play.