DESENSITIZED TO INSANITY

WHERE'S THE NINE looks like a relatively plain project name for a collaboration of two colleagues knowing each other for more than 25 years. However - the musical potency is anything but harmless on the other hand. 'Densensitized To Insanity' proves to be an interesting effort based on instrumental fusion and mixed up with a lot of influences from other prog genres. Not peering hard at something like a commercial success - technically brilliant, ambitious as for the implementation and not overproduced though. Barry Connors' drumming is straight and powerful supported by Dean Watson's jazz rock and heavy guitar style and playful diversified keyboards.

Retro symphonic (ELP) and Return To Forever references as a contrast to riffing guitar elements (sometimes near to prog metal) are not only given on A Rather Odd Tribute which serves a fireworks of breaks and turns all in all. It takes some time to capture the whole complexity. There are songs like Half of Eighteen reminding of the hammond infected Niacin style particularly. Nice electric piano sections are interspersed here and there. Lethargic Waltz approves its name only in parts because also performed in a dramatic mood in the same way as the following She's furious. And The Camera Ear finally is even a little bit spaced-out with an aggressive behaviour and weird synths.

It is recommended to listen to this album for more than one or two times to come closer. 'Densensitized To Insanity' deserves recognition because giving variety - a good sample of complexity and virtuosity in the whole with a wide palette of key, guitar and percussion work.