douBt is a brand new progressive/jazz-fusion/freeform trio on steroids plus. The band (the trio) consists of Tony Bianco (drums), Michel DelVille of The Wrong Object (electric guitar, Roland GR-09) and Alex Maguire of Hatfield And The North (Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, mellotron, synth). The “plus” comes in the form of Richard Sinclair (vocals on track 1 &5) and (bass guitar on tracks 1 & 2).
Now this is musical territory that I am quite new to and it was a hell of an album to get into. By far this is one of the most difficult and challenging albums I had to review this year. Musically the album, Never Pet A Burning Dog, is centered on a modern freeform platform with the bite of today’s aggressive sounds.
Joining the trio on three tracks, two of which are vocal parts, by legendary bassist/vocalist Richard Sinclair (ex-Caravan, Camel, National Health, Hatfield & the North, etc.). It’s on these tracks that shows the band’s melodic side which counterbalances the remainder of the album’s “chaotic” side. The band even ventures into progressive jazz/rock territory on "Beppe's Shelter".
This is a solid album especially for fans of the separate musicians as well as the Canterbury and to an extent, the RIO genre. This band is for listeners that require something challenging to listen to. Also this album has a quality of hearing new sounds after several listening. If this is what you need for your musical diet, then I can recommend this. Anyone else, proceed with an opened mind.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on June 23rd, 2010
