Tilt cover

Tilt

Greg Howe · 1995

49 min · 9 tracks · instrumental rock

A virtuosic blend of technical guitar work and intricate instrumental arrangements that push the boundaries of rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tilt — The title track introduces listeners to the album's complex musical themes with intricate solos and dynamic shifts that set the tone for the project.
  • →
    Chase the Dragon — This track features a compelling melody paired with aggressive guitar work, highlighting Howe's ability to blend emotion with technical skill.
  • →
    Tarnished With Age — Demonstrating a more reflective mood, this track showcases Howe's lyrical phrasing on guitar, creating an atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.
  • →
    I Wanna Play — With its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, this track encapsulates the fun energy of the album while displaying Howe's virtuosic techniques.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Tilt showcases intricate guitar work and arrangements, marking a strong entry in instrumental rock.

What we noticed

  • Each track incorporates layered instrumentation, with rhythm sections that provide a solid foundation for the lead guitar work.
  • Several tracks include abrupt transitions between themes, which keeps the listener engaged and adds to the album's unpredictability.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 guitar work appreciation
  • focused listening for detail
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • exploration of musical complexity

Maybe skip if you

  • preference for straightforward songs
  • dislike for instrumental focus

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1995, Greg Howe was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the instrumental rock scene with his third album, Tilt. Following the success of his previous works, this release showcased his evolution in songwriting and technical prowess, solidifying his reputation as a leading guitarist.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Paul Gilbert

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Tarnished With Age

    The bridge features a shift in tempo that mirrors a moment of introspection and longing.

    This structural change not only adds emotional weight but also contrasts sharply with the preceding sections, emphasizing the theme of reflection.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Tilt 5:27
  • 2 Chase the Dragon 4:59
  • 3 Tarnished With Age 5:10
  • 4 Outfit 4:14
  • 5 Confusion 6:25
  • 6 I Wanna Play 5:42
  • 7 Seventh Place 6:26
  • 8 O.D. 4:52
  • 9 Full View 5:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata