CLINOPHOBIA

I'm not sure whether this is very good prog-rock or actually just elevator prog. The more I listen to "Clinophobia" the more I'm leaning towards the second explanation.

The music on this cd falls under the category of progressive-metal with some hints of jazz- fussion, exclusively instrumental. There are no voices on this record. Everything is played by the three renowned instrumentalists that form DEVILS SLINGSHOT. With performers of this level, we should expect a mind-blowing release.

Sadly, as with many "supergroups", DEVILS SLINGSHOT ultimately disappoints. The music in "Clinophobia" is somewhat generic, lacks energy, and it even scarcely exploits the skills of the musicians. This is rock/metal played with little energy, with really mundane riffs, without spark, without life. We were expecting fantastic combinations of musical prowess but we are left with music that sounds like a generic version of better projects like BOZZIO, LEVIN, STEVENS. The guitar doesn't do anything remotely unique and at times it can't decide whether to go all-metal or jazzy; the melodies and riffs are anything but memorable; there are some odd and interesting time signatures at play but they seem to exist just for the sake of it, they are never really developed to their full potential; Sheehan on bass has his moments but in general goes very unnoticed (actually, the best bass passage in the entire record is not even played by him but by Bunny Brunel in "Hourglass".) Donati has a couple of good ideas (like the intro on "Flame"") but ends up playing it too safely, barely managing to remind us why he's regarded as a legendary drummer.

All in all, a weak effort, if we can even use that last word. It seems these three gifted legends decided to take a break from their rutines and record an album in the process. It sounds like that: a vacational album. Perfect for the elevator of a theoretical prog-hotel.

For the competent playing I can't give this album anything lower than two, but the lack of great ideas and the blandness of execution stop me from going any higher.

From the very beginning of this project,since the line-up was anounced,all the fans of hi-tech prog fusion were very excited and optimist that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT will deliver a fantastic album!The expectations were huge and I must sat that the final result is not at all at the level of the hopes that fusion prog metal afficionados were a little bit cheated!Far from being a bad album,I don't know why,but I think that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT is missing the target!What else can be sayed about the impressive line -up-truly fantastic!Honestly,I was one of those who didn't had much hopes that DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT will be a second PLANET X or a clone!I was more convinced that the music on this album will be more melodic orientated and TONY MACALPINE will be the truea star of the album!I can say now that I was pretty right,because,musically speaking,this album is very guitar orientated and we have the feeling to listen the new MACALPINE solo album!DONATI is efficient as usual,but he really doesn't shine here-he plays polite and calculated-but no sparks of genius or frantic measures either!SHEEHAN is equal to himself-impressive and technique-but like Donati-no spark or frenzy either !MACALPINE is,in my vision,the one who seems to be really excited to play this music and offers some excellent solos-diverse and attractive!The album is quite spectacular-but no jaw dropping or technical "on steroids fusion " like PLANET X-a reference of the genre!Anyway,the album is listenable from the first to the last track and the final impression is quite pleasant!I have serious doubts if a second try will be dobe,because the response of the media and critics were quite calm about this album who was fantastic on paper,but in reality was almost dissapointing!Hardly 3 stars for the value of the musicians,but for the music itself,not much that 2.5 STARS!Sorry guys!