Class, melody, groove, taste, and a little bit of flash...that's always been some of the ways to describe the fusion power trio Niacin. Billy Sheehan (bass), John Novello (Hammond B3, keys), and Dennis Chambers (drums) generally don't get together and record albums all that often, but when they do it's usually something to look forward to. Krush is their latest release, their first for heavy metal label Prosthetic Records, and comes eight long years after their previous CD Organik. In all that time, not much has changed with the Niacin formula, as these three virtuosos still know how to deliver smokin' hot bluesy jazz fusion instrumentals.
Whether they are laying down some sultry laid back jazz, like on "Low Art", or ripping it up with reckless abandon as they do throughout "Car Crash Red", Niacin do it all with expert technique and the emotion of all their experience pulled together. Much of the music is smeared with Novello's wonderful Hammond textures, as Sheehan's elastic bass lines and Chambers' busy stick work work real hard together underneath. The three are locked into a tight groove on the pulsating & quite funky "Cold Fusion", while Novello switches over to electric piano on the classy jazz of "Electrocity". As a soloist, Novello is a master, regardless of which mighty keyboard he is using, and doesn't get enough credit for his talents when talking about some of the best players in the business today. He gets plenty of room to shine throughout Krush, but then again so do Sheehan & Chambers, though it's all done tastefully and not just a showcase for endless chops. One of the biggest treats here is the cover of Return to Forever's "Majestic Dance"...it's amazing to say the least. The Hammond soaked "Drifting" is another winner, as the trio seem to be channeling prog legends ELP, but with Sheehan offering up way more than Greg Lake ever did in that band with some inhuman bass lines. In fact, the bassist also unleashes a torrent of muscular notes on the downright funky "Sly Voltage" that will leave your jaw laying on the floor.
If you thought that Niacin were going to lose a step after taking an 8 year break, forget it. Krush is easily as lethal as any album they've created previously, and one of the must hear instrumental CDs of 2013.
Track Listing
1. Krush (4:19)
2. Tone Wheels (4:39)
3. Stormy Sunday (6:35)
4. Low Art (4:24)
5. Car Crash Red (4:12)
6. Electrocity (4:20)
7. Cold Fusion (6:41)
8. Majestic Dance (4:48)
9. Prelude & Funky Opus (7:04)
10. The Gnarly Shuffle (4:04)
11. Drifting (7:28)
12. Sly Voltage (4:52)
13. That's the One! (3:52)
14. Triple Strength (6:05)
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