Matt Ratch isn't just a face-melting kid, or a great guitar player. He's a one-man-power-trio and prog-rock tour de force, all at the ripe age of 17.

Don't let the first few seconds fool you, where you think he might just be a goofball playing air-guitar on a guitar case. The video above is the real deal, with Matt playing guitar as well as drums and bass on an original tune that at times seems to channel Dream Theatre's Contstant Motion and Muse's Stockholm Syndrome.

I'm 14 and i feel as if you are setting a new benchmark for us younger players to try and reach.
— aarenhealy

Best of all, he's got charisma to back up his chops. He works the camera. He makes absurd faces. Basically he rocks.

If you're like me and just can't get enough of this kid, you can keep up with him on his MattRachGuitar MySpace page.

And if you want to rock like Matt, please see my Rock Band How-to Video post for some pointers to get you started.