Extraction cover

Extraction

Greg Howe · 2003

50 min · 9 tracks · instrumental rock

Melodic guitar virtuosity intertwines with intricate rhythms, creating an expansive instrumental landscape that invites deep listening.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Extraction — The title track opens the album with an ambitious display of technical skill and melodic exploration that sets the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Tease — This track features intricate guitar lines interwoven with rhythmic shifts, exemplifying Howe's ability to blend technique with emotion effectively.
  • →
    Contigo — With its Latin-inspired rhythms and catchy melody, this track showcases Howe's versatility and ability to incorporate different cultural elements into his work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate guitar work with varied rhythms, appealing to listeners who appreciate technical proficiency.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases a different guitar technique, from tapping to sweeping arpeggios, creating a diverse sonic palette.
  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos, while the second half introduces slower, more melodic pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate rhythms for attentive listening
  • expansive soundscapes to explore
  • melodic depth with immersive layers
  • focused sessions for guitar lovers

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • casual background music listeners

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Extraction is Greg Howe's sixth studio album, marking a period where he was already well-established as a prominent guitarist in the instrumental rock genre. Following his previous album, All Out, this release further showcased his technical prowess and compositional skills, solidifying his reputation in the music community.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Paul Gilbert

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Extraction 6:13
  • 2 Tease 6:07
  • 3 Crack It Way Open 5:59
  • 4 Contigo 6:30
  • 5 Proto Cosmos 4:15
  • 6 A Delicacy 2:24
  • 7 Lucky 7 6:02
  • 8 Ease Up 6:20
  • 9 Bird’s Eye View 6:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata