Paul Gilbert is widely regarded as one of rock’s most accomplished and versatile guitarists. He first rose to prominence as a member of Racer X, including their genre-defining album “Street Lethal”, and later became a key creative force in Mr. Big. His résumé also includes participation in the celebrated G3 project. Alongside these high-profile collaborations, Gilbert has consistently pursued a prolific solo career, with his latest studio album arriving this spring.
Titled “WROC,” the new album features 13 tracks and carries an intriguing conceptual foundation. The acronym stands for Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, a collection of 110 behavioral guidelines copied by a young George Washington and originally derived from a French etiquette manual dating back to 1595. Themes such as respect, self-discipline, politeness, and civility form the philosophical backbone of the record. Building a rock album around these ideas is no small challenge, but if anyone is equipped to make it work, it is Paul Gilbert, whose experience and musical curiosity know few boundaries.
To bring “WROC” to life, Gilbert teamed up with a group of renowned musicians: Nick D’Virgilio on drums, Doug Rappoport on guitar, and Timmer Blakely on bass. The tracks were recorded in just four days at The Hallowed Halls in Portland, with vocal sessions demanding a bit more time. The efficiency of the process does nothing to diminish the richness of the final result.
“WROC” is a multifaceted rock album that highlights Gilbert’s creative freedom at every turn. The opener, “Keep Your Feet Firm and Even,” launches with a fiery lead guitar statement before settling into a driving rocker with a memorable chorus. The album’s versatility is especially evident on “Shows Not Yourself Glad (At the Misfortune of Others),” which moves effortlessly between restrained passages and explosive outbursts that even flirt with punk energy – an impressive range of influences unified into a cohesive whole.
“Go Not Thither” delivers straight-ahead, roaring rock, while “Speak Not Evil of the Absent” stands out as one of the album’s highlights. Showcasing Gilbert’s refined guitar work, the song unfolds through subtle twists and layers while remaining instantly catchy. Expansive soundscapes define “Conscience Is the Most Certain Judge,” followed by the blues-tinged drive of “Every Action Done in Company.” The album closes with “George Washington Rules,” a raw, untamed rock’n’roll track bursting with energy and serving as a powerful finale.
“WROC” is not necessarily the album one might have expected from Paul Gilbert – and that is precisely its strength. With an unconventional lyrical concept paired seamlessly with sharp riffs and strong melodies, the guitarist delivers a holistic and deeply engaging listening experience. It is a versatile, passionate release that surprises, entertains, and reaffirms Gilbert’s status as a musician who continues to push creative boundaries.
Tracklist:
- Keep Your Feet Firm and Even
- Show Not Yourself Glad (At the Misfortune of Another)
- Maintain a Sweet and Cheerful Countenance
- Go Not Thither
- Orderly And Distinctly
- If You Soak Bread in the Sauce
- Let Thy Carriage
- Speak Not Evil of the Absent
- Turn Not Your Back (To Others)
- Conscience is the Most Certain Judge
- Every Action Done in Company
- Spark of Celestial Fire
- George Washington Rules
Label: Music Theories Recordings
Genre: Rock
Release Date EU: February 27th, 2026
AFM Records Alternative Metal Alternative Rock Black Metal Blues CD Review Century Media Classic Rock Concert Dark Metal Death Metal Doom Metal earMUSIC Extreme Metal Frontiers Music Hamburg Hardcore Hard Rock Hardrock Heavy Metal Inside Out Music Live Live Album Live Report Melodic Death Metal Melodic Metal Melodic Rock Metal Metal Blade MHMB Modern Metal News Nuclear Blast NWoBHM On Tour Power Metal Prog Metal Prog Rock Punk Rock Speed Metal Thrash Metal Tour Tour Dates US Metal
Markus' Heavy Music Blog 