Veteran guitar virtuoso JK Northrup (RAIL/ KING KOBRA III/ XYZ) has returned with his new solo release entitled “WIRED IN MY SKIN.” His second solo effort and follow-up to his first self-titled 2001 release showcases not only Northrup’s song writing and searing guitar riffs, but also assembles an extraordinary supporting cast including vocalists Kelly Keeling (BATON ROUGE/ MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP), Terry Ilous (XYZ), David Zaragoza (CATEGORY 7), Johnny Edwards (MONTROSE/ KING KOBRA III) and the always amazing Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER).

The album opens with the powerful instrumental “Black Moon.” Reminiscent of something off of Joe Satriani’s “Flying In A Blue Dream,” Northrup takes those elements and creates a track and style uniquely his own. But this isn’t the only instrumental on the release. “WIRED IN MY SKIN” also includes two more guitar-driven features… the harder, gripping “Mark My Territory” and “Metamorphosis” which edges back more towards that “Satriani” style.

Terry Ilous’ vocals are impeccable on three of the best tracks on the release; the “ballady” feeling “The Road,” the more moody “So Long” (which features a tasty guitar lick comparable to that of Lindsay Buckingham’s on FLEETWOOD MAC’s “Big Love”), and the heavier “Grind Me Down.” Both “So Long” and “Grind Me Down” are consistent with that XYZ/ late 90’s-early 2000’s DOKKEN-ish style Ilous is known for… good stuff!

Johnny Edwards definitely kicks it up a notch on the title track “Wired In My Skin” which features some grinding guitar riffs, a catchy/ melodic chorus and one of Northrup’s best guitar solos on the release. “Cemented Eyes” (featuring David Zaragoza) also remains in this vein but features some more “prog” sounding drum parts while Kelly Keeling’s “Big Blue Sky” still packs a bit of a punch but has a little more of a WAR & PEACE meets WINGER feel to it.

As for “Perfect Imperfection” and “If I Were James Taylor (I Could Finish This Song) ” (both of which feature Ted Poley)… what can I say? It’s Ted Poley! His always eloquent vocals really shine on the acoustic-driven ballad “If I Were James Taylor” while his more powerful side is let loose on the heavier, more rockin’ “Perfect Imperfection” which is definitely another highlight of the release.

JK Northrup’s “WIRED IN MY SKIN” is more than worth a listen. Fans of artists like DOKKEN, XYZ or MSG will have more than enough to fill up on while guitarists and all-around musicians have a lot to chew on in Northrup’s tasty guitar licks, riffs and arrangements. Good job! And I’m really looking forward to hearing more from this guy on his upcoming projects. Shhhh… rumor has it he’s actually working with Ted Poley again, right NOW… as we speak on Ted’s upcoming solo release on FRONTIERS RECORDS!

Don’t forget to check out www.jknorthrup.com and take a listen for yourself and pick up your own copy of ‘WIRED IN MY SKIN.”