Situation Dangerous

Album Review

Situation Dangerous is the follow-up to 1997's Black Light Syndrome from this powerful trio of seasoned rock musicians. The incendiary title track leads off the album with guitarist Steve Stevens demonstrating that he's capable of much more than testosterone-laden Billy Idol riffs of which he was most commonly associated prior to the formation of this band. Here he conjures up comparisons to manic sound frequently delivered by Robert Fripp particularly on King Crimson albums like Red and their reformed, early-'80s period. But in subsequent tracks, Stevens plays jazz, fusion, classic rock, blues-rock, and flamenco passages with accomplished ease. "Crash" sounds like an outtake from or a salute to the lone classic recording by an earlier supergroup, Armageddon. In other instances he combines the fusion and flamenco leanings of guitarists like Al DiMeola and John McLaughlin. This is an instrumental album, so it is imperative that the tracks display a diversity of tempo and style to distinguish themselves from one another. Historically, instrumental rock trios haven't been overly successful in that regard. These three, however, pull it off admirably. Tony Levin has been one of the most creative and "in-demand" bassists for the past 25 years and his entire repertoire of influences and skills seems to be encapsulated on this recording. He also tackles the variety of compositions in his inimitable smooth yet complex manner. Drummer Terry Bozzio offers his most explosive and perhaps his most defining work since Danger Money from 1979, but it's Stevens' versatility that dictates the course of this album and its ultimate success.