Although it prominently features the guitar fireworks of former
Frank Zappa axeman
Mike Keneally,
Mullmuzzler's
Keep It to Yourself is unquestionably
James LaBrie's showcase. Taking a leave from his day job as the lead singer of
Dream Theater, LaBrie co-wrote most of the tracks here and had the most input concerning the album's direction. The lyrics are among his most personal to date, which helps atone for the songs' tendency to forego a sense of restraint, whether the music's tone is bombastic or sentimental. It's closer to classic '70s hard rock than
Dream Theater's music, more along the lines of
Queen or Rush, so fans will get a nice change of pace. ~ Steve Huey