Animals as Leaders / T.R.A.M. Guitarist Javier Reyes Releases Awe-Inspiring Playthrough Video of “Te Mato”

Animals as Leaders / T.R.A.M. 8-string guitarist Javier Reyes released an album under the moniker Mestis in November of last year, and it’s exactly what you’d expect: a dynamic and dense exploration of jazz and fusion, with a touch of metal aesthetic thrown in. If you dug the T.R.A.M. record, you’re a shoo-in to love the Mestis album Basal Ganglia.

Reyes just released a performance video of himself playing the album track “Te Mato” at the guitar pickup manufacturer EMG’s studios. I’m completely awestruck by Reyes’ finger-picking ability (on an 8-string!) and left hand dexterity, underscored by the excellent camera work here; I didn’t even realize the guitar in this song was finger-picked until now. Jeff Loomis and Tosin Abasi have released similar videos filmed by EMG in the recent past, and they’re both a treat to watch for guitar nerds like you and me.

Abasi, drummer Morgen Ågren, Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders’ new drummer), Hector Barez (percussion; Calle 13, Bio Ritmo) and David Stout (trombone; Marvin Gaye, Juan Gabriel, Smokey Robinson) all play on Basal Ganglia as well. Buy it here for less than $5.

[via The PRP]