Niacin
"Time Crunch"
(Magna Carta Records)

Niacin, an essential part of anyone's musical diet, puts all audible functions in equitable balance on this new "funkadelic" release. Made up of one part Sheehan, one part Novello, and one part Chambers, they comprising of bass, keyboards and drums, all in perfect working order if not necessarily in that order, perpetuate a number of earthy instrumental vibes designed to please your musical palate. While Niacin's music caters often to the aficionado apprised of such instrumental prowess, their energetic jams and smooth rolls will suit listeners of most any taste seeking a means of escape from the everyday. Sheehan, Chambers, and Novello, a super group by anyone's stretch, having logged countless mileage for such past greats as Talas, George Clinton and Chick Corea, come together for a fifth time fusing Heavy Rock and Jazz that in fact "crunches" time, past to present. Eminently employing the heavy groove and beat patterns of classic seventies jam Rock and time travel, in one fell swoop of a bass scale and deftly handled Hammond, Niacin throw's back to the likes of earliest incarnations of King Crimson, Deep Purple, and Hawkwind among others. Listeners will seek and enjoy their intensifying rendition of the old Crimson cover "Red," and at the close, tackling quite expertly the artsy Jan Hammer's "Blue Wind," adding their own spices to the mix they can proudly call their own. Where instrumental virtuosity for the sake of progression can sometimes run the risk of drowning in self-absorption, much of the music included here keeps things moving along-swiftly and without concern for personal safety-"Elbow Grease," at first run, "Stone Face," and "Invisible King" amongst the prominent of their own material puts the pedal to the floor and incites an intellectual riot that soon stimulates you regardless of mood. Until hands-free devices are created specifically for the automobile, continued behind the wheel listening is not recommended.

More from the Online Metal Journal