NIACIN - Krush
May 28, 2013, 11 years ago
(Prosthetic Records)
Krush is the sixth album by all instrumental, neo-fusion supergroup NIACIN, featuring bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, STEVE VAI, DAVID LEE ROTH), drummer Dennis Chambers (SANTANA, PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC) and keyboardist John Novello (CHICK COREA). After a seven year hiatus, Niacin has returned with 14(!) tracks of intricate and innovative fusion with superb musicianship. The calibre of musicians on hand here is pretty stellar. Niacin’s music is more on the heavier side of jazz fusion with hints of ELP and KING CRIMSON, while often recalling elements of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA and CHICK COREA. With 14 tracks, Sheehan and co. could have shortened up the playlist by a few songs. With instrumental jazz-fusion albums, it’s harder to latch on to a memorable melody compared to vocal music with a catchy choruses that you can repeat and sing along to. With no guitarist, the band relies on loads of keyboard melodylines and solos, creeping baselines and innovative drum fills with funkified beats. Unless you’re a true fan of the genre, it takes great fortitude to sit through a disc with this many tracks of all instrumental jazz fusion wig-outs. But Niacin no doubt prove that they are head and shoulders above just mere musicians.
