There are many ways a virtuoso guitarist can try to stay relevant after decades in the game—but every now and then, someone like Paul Gilbert reminds you that creativity still matters more than technique. With “WROC” (“Washington’s Rules of Civility”), Gilbert delivers one of the most unexpected and fun albums of his career. Building an album around 16th-century etiquette rules (via George Washington’s famous guide) sounds like a concept destined to collapse under its own weight. But Gilbert flips that potential awkwardness into something refreshing. Instead of sounding stiff or overly conceptual, the record feels loose, playful and surprisingly natural. You can tell he had a blast putting this together—and that energy is contagious. Musically, this is classic Gilbert with a twist. The riffs are rougher and more direct than some of his more polished solo work, leaning closer at times to the punchy hard rock feel he perfected with Mr. Big, but there’s also a quirky, almost experimental edge running through the album. The melodies are where the magic really happens: catchy without being predictable, and always serving the song rather than just acting as a showcase. And yes, the chops are still there. This is the same guy who melted faces with Racer X. But what’s interesting here is how restrained he can be. Instead of shredding, Gilbert picks his moments carefully, letting grooves and hooks carry the songs. The decision to record the album live in the studio pays off massively. There’s a raw, organic feel throughout—no overproduction, no unnecessary gloss. The band sounds tight but not mechanical, giving the songs a human quality that fits perfectly with the slightly offbeat concept. The interplay between guitars, bass and drums feels immediate, like you’re right there in the room. Lyrically, it’s a fascinating experiment. Using Washington’s rules as a framework gives the songs a strange tone. At times it’s humorous, at times oddly insightful. It shouldn’t work as well as it does, but somehow it adds character rather than distraction. If there’s any downside, it’s that not every track hits equally hard. Some ideas feel more like clever exercises than fully developed songs. But even in those moments, the album never loses its charm. Overall, “WROC” is an enjoyable listen—smart, technical without being exhausting and quirky without losing its musical core. It’s got fine melodies, rough-edged riffs and, most importantly, good songs that stick with you!
♦ 7,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
