The band integrates their talents to great affect, using their ample supply of melodic humor, lethal chops, and careening rollercoaster-like compositions. Minnemann’s “Dance Of The Aristocrats” provides prodigious drumming, while Govan delivers a variety of textures, clever rhythmic devices, and untethered soloing. The title track sends you deeper into attention deficit disorder land; the initial “Wow!” factor makes you wish you’d practiced harder. By the time you get to Beller’s “Louisville Stomp,” you’re hearing a rapidly changing kaleidoscope of familiar musical tropes superbly woven together instead into a satisfying composition.
Govan’s “Gaping Head Wound” and Minnemann’s “Desert Tornado” provide stimulating showcases for the band’s ability to stop on a dime, change time signatures, and display break-neck shifts in dynamics.
This article originally appeared in VG‘s January ’14 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.