Nick Ray of Speculator says:
I came across this video by chance sometime in the past last year. This guy, "RC Storm," a.k.a YouTube user ''MeAndTheV," has built what I'm guessing is the world's largest Flying V-style guitar. The guitar itself is not what really caught my attention; rather, I was struck by the sociopolitical statement which can be inferred. It's not a subtle piece, as the relationship between the size of the guitar and his rendition of our national anthem is an almost too obvious articulation of the cliché, American, "bigger is better" mindset. I won't insult your intelligence by discussing the transparent phallic imagery.
Watching a few more of his videos (he has 12, a loaded number in itself), I realized that this man simultaneously inspires and scares me, because I identify with him. I personally don't think the guitar he has built sounds very good. I guess it's cool that it's so large; the gimmick value is not lost on me, and I can appreciate how difficult it must be to play. His version of [Black Sabbath's] "Iron Man" sounds shitty. Still, you can tell by the expression on his face as he lays into that juicy riff that he is in ecstasy playing that thing. To him, it sounds awesome. It's not just the sound that he is getting off on; it's the sense of accomplishment he has from having created that unique reality.
Speculator's Nice LP is available now from Underwater Peoples
