Black Light Syndrome

About

Black Light Syndrome is the first studio album by Bozzio Levin Stevens (a supergroup comprising drummer Terry Bozzio, bassist Tony Levin and guitarist Steve Stevens), released on July 15, 1997 through Magna Carta Record. This power trio has famous root, and they’ve brought it all together masterfully. First cut “The Sun Road” starts off like a tune off of David Gilmour’s first solo album and then vanishes into a driving, power-chorded surge of soulful rock. Next, “Dark Corners” is a massive rocker that pulls you under its powerful whirlpool of guitar/bass/drum frenzy. Stevens tortures the guitar into absolute submission without any predictable riff. Levin looms everywhere, and Bozzio flows in a polyrhythmic jungle. Fine interactive tension and execution everywhere. This goes way beyond King Crimson’s Red day. “Duende” opens with flamenco guitar fireburst, and slowly builds into a decent Spanish-flavored piece. Not my favorite, but well done. The title cut, “Black Light Syndrome,” is obviously a play on “Bozzio Levin Steven.” It is a slower-paced dirge and filled to the brim with a variety of well-executed riff, bassline, and drum tech. “Falling in Circles” is an early Floydscape dotted with Ronnie Montrose lead, a ballad of driving determination and resolve. Floods of Satriani, Wishbone Ash, Alvin Lee, Fripp, Buck Dharma, and even that Duane Allman tone. “Book of Hours” took me right back to Wheels of Fire’s “Pressed Rat and Warthog,” rainy-day dreamy afternoons with a fresh pot of designer coffee. Levin, Bozzio, and Stevens play off of one another precisely as one mind. On the last cut, “Chaos/Control,” you hear that “E7 breakdown” from Hendrix’s “Midnight” on War Heroe, and then a jazzy boogie in classic Frank Marino style is laid down. Stevens is a guitarist with a wide range of dynamic. -- Review by John W. Patterson -- Credits Steve Stevens – guitar, production Tony Levin – Chapman stick, ba, production Terry Bozzio – drum, production Wyn Davis – engineering, mixing, production Todd Langner – mixing .

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