Codex III: Quotes and Reviews

Few guitarists have as unique a style as Kevin Kastning, and certainly part of that is because he’s playing a collection of unique guitars of his own design that eschew most standard guitar techniques. In this review we present a couple of solo recordings (Codex III, Codex IV), plus a couple of excellent collaborations, one with trumpeter Phil Grenadier (Unreal City), and another with drummer Paul Wertico (Interchange One).

The most recent releases are the two solo albums Codex III and Codex IV, follow-ups to Codex I and Codex II released earlier this year. Like those, these are mostly performed on the double contraguitars, contra-baritone guitars, and sub-contraguitars, with a six-string guitar in the credits as well. These represent mostly gentle solo improvisations, seven on Codex III and eight on Codex IV. The nature of these tends to be dreamy and overtly spacious, not as busy and intense as the collaborations, yet every bit as powerful. Because of the range of the instruments employed, the bass and baritone ends tend to be the loudest elements, although there is plenty going on in the high registers as well, just more delicate, which is why a quality set of headphones is a must for an optimal listening experience on these two. Across all of these recordings, Kastning continues to pursue his singular musical vision as a solo artist and with other like minded travelers.

- Exposé Magazine (US)
  August 2026