Review: Chris Davies

Next up we have two new instrumental pieces from Welsh rock songwriter Chris Davies, a musician who clearly believes that guitars should tell stories just as powerfully as any lyric.

First up is Smile, which immediately grabs your attention with an almost gothic introduction. Right from those opening moments you can hear the depth of the arrangement – layers of guitars, bass runs and subtle musical shifts all weaving together to build a dark and immersive soundscape. Just when the track feels like it might drift too far into the shadows, a soaring guitar line rises up and lifts everything skyward. There’s a beauty to the lead work that recalls the expressive storytelling of players like Vai or Satriani, yet Chris delivers it with a heavier, more modern edge. What really makes the track stand out is how all the elements work together – the melody, the bass movement, the atmosphere. It’s the sum of its parts that gives the song its power. The track builds steadily towards a chaotic, almost anxiety-driven crescendo before everything suddenly falls away, leaving you wanting to hit repeat. And when you do, you’ll notice something new each time – a testament to just how layered and intricate the composition really is.

Next up is Show Me, which arrives in a much more restrained fashion. A single ringing note hangs in the air, followed by sparse guitar textures hinting at rhythm and movement. There’s a faint echo of The Doors in the atmosphere, though it’s more a passing shadow than a direct influence. Then, almost without warning, the track bursts into life – a huge instrumental homage to the grand spirit of 80s rock but delivered with a modern punch. Once again the arrangement is packed with detail, yet every element feels purposeful. The guitar lines never descend into flashy technical displays; instead they remain emotive and melodic, each note adding meaning and momentum. This isn’t background music – it demands your attention. The interplay between the guitars, percussion and driving bass line creates a powerful sonic journey that pulls the listener all the way through before fading out on its own terms.

Together these two tracks show just how compelling instrumental rock can be when it’s written with feeling, patience and imagination. Chris Davies doesn’t just play the guitar – he lets it speak. And judging by these songs, it’s safe to say his music really knows how to show us a good time… and definitely leaves us smiling.

Find Chris on YouTube