Album Review: Volto! - Incitare

Volto!'s debut LP has undergone one lengthy gestation period. Beginning life several years ago as a cover band plying their trade in a tiny LA jazz club, there was no grand plan. Comprising accomplished players – Tool drummer Danny Carey, session-bassist-to-the-stars Lance Morrison and guitarist John Ziegler – boasting detectable chemistry, the outfit seemed content partaking in improvisational fusion and a drink or seven afterwards. Something unusual happened en route to the after-party though; the instrumental mob eventually warmed to recording original material. To say Incitare's complexities are an acquired taste is akin to suggesting Breaking Bad has a few tense moments. Fleshed out by keyboardist Jeff Babko, their '70s prog-drenched rock is classily executed, albeit sure to be cited as self-indulgence by naysayers. Unsurprisingly, Carey's crisp, fat tones often assume centre stage; see aptly-titled Drumbeaux's plentiful fills. Ziegler's dexterous arpeggios and measured leads add further colour, as do laser-like synths, or Babko's jazz flourishes on Tocino. Grip It's loose, heavier edge resonates. The moody melodicism of I'm Calm Now ends proceedings engagingly. There are also flecks of Dream Theater (minus James LaBrie's polarising vocals) throughout. These warm grooves are proudly steeped in the analogue, tracked 'live' onto tape. These jams will test some folks' patience, proving a hard sell for many followers of Carey's platinum-sporting rockers but appealing to devotees of acts a la Animals As Leaders. Phrases like 'a band for musicians' get tossed around aplenty, and though largely applying here (fusion enthusiasts ahoy – you've found your new bible), there's plenty to catch the ear of most listeners with an penchant for expansive musicianship.