I just finished my review of TL2. Y'all need to get this cd. It will give you a taste of just how talented our own Charlie really is.

A review of TWO by TL2
by Jef Peace, PeaceWork Music Net

If it's true that great guitarists are a dime a dozen, I just found one that's worth a dozen dimes all by himself.

From the first slow-building whirlwind intro of the title track, I knew I was in for a treat. "TWO" delivered on its promise and had me tapping my fingers on the desktop throughout. A blend of heavy metal and dark ambient, "TWO" moves the listener through several emotions and prepares him for what is to follow.

"2.2.2" continues in the metal/ambient theme, but with a flavor all its own.

Then, with simple percussion and slowly wakening guitar " Monsta Mash" takes us deeper into the dark in an almost Santanaesque fashion. Very hip, very smooth with some incredible guitar licks not to be missed.

"D-Kay" dips its toe into the electronica pool without losing the somewhat dark feel of the preceding tracks. The guitar is still there, its shining beacon adding a depth to this song that is lacking in most electronica. The vocals are very interesting as well . . . sort of a chanting almost-drone, they feel like an instrument more than anything else . . . quite creative.

"Spin 8" has a strong fusion feel and could hold its own with the masters of that genre. A cacophony of sounds that causes a bit of a mental spin, leaving the mind feeling as though it's visited a theme park, which is a perfect intro to the short and whimsical "Serkis" which immediately places the listener in a seat under the big top.

Then comes one of the strongest tracks on the cd, emotionally speaking, "Malcolm's Hand" . . . a rock ballad paying tribute to a giving and caring man.

After this brief side-trip, we're taken back to the darker side of the human spirit with "Out Of Sync." In true trance spirit, this one slowly introduces different elements then slowly backs them out, then back in again. Very tasty guitar is subtly intertwined throughout, almost as an after-thought. Single men on the prowl take note: this one could melt your lady du jour.

Keeping it on the softer side, "Man Of The Forest" is like a slow walk in the woods, eyes wide open, all the wonders of nature coming into view slowly as we hike along. Some of the finest guitar work I've ever had the pleasure of hearing brands this song as one worthy of anyone's time and attention.

"Blinded" picks the pace back up with a bit more fusion, leaning toward the jazz side. The guitar in this one purrs like a woman being made love to . . . by a lover who definitely knows what makes a woman tick. Another one for the single men on the prowl.

I'm curious about the name of the next track . . . " Slam Dunk" is anything but. It has a smooth new age intro that develops into another fusionesque montage that is the backdrop for incredible guitar work that makes me want to buy one so I can learn to do that.

"Technodrone" is something straight out of a futuristic, intergalactic lounge. I can close my eyes and see the Cyborgs and Venutians swaying to the beat as they bitch about their jobs and try to find someone to go home with while sipping exotic drinks from bizarre containers.

East-European trance in flavor, "Empty" starts out like it's got something to say . . . then proceeds to say it with style. This is probably my favorite track . . . the name is somewhat ironic in that the song itself is rich and full, like a fine espresso or mousse. The amazing guitar takes this otherwise trance tune to another level, complimenting the techno sound rather than competing with it.

Next comes about the sexiest tune I've ever swayed my body to . . . "Slo-Mo Groove Thing" is exactly that and it is very, very tasty. Color this one another weapon in the single-man-on-the-prowl arsenal.

TL2 wraps up their debut cd with " Triskelion Matrix," another techno-flavored rich and sweet dessert topped with a heaping spoonful of very tasty guitar.

All in all, TWO proved to be a sometimes sexy, sometimes tantalizing, sometimes relaxing backdrop for the creative and tasteful guitar work of Charlie Harrelson aka TL2. Music world, take note: there's a new king on the throne and he's ruling with velvet strings.