Volto!: Incitare

It isn't often that a drummer's name sits atop the list of contributors on the back of a CD. However sticksman Danny Carey of math-men rockers Tool isn't any drummer. Volto! is his side project, where the man from those missing in action Toolers teams up with Lance Morrison (Don Henley touring band) on bass, John Zeigler (Pigmy Love Circus) on guitar and Jeff Babko (Jimmy Kimmel house band and Jazz pioneer in his own right) on keys. And while in most households it is Carey's name which is most likely to be recognised, it is actually the Jazz area usually resided in by Babko which best alludes to where this band's debut effort Incitare is headed; even though he was last to join this project.

So in essence, as with most side bands, what you have here is four musicians coming together without the constraints of their usual songwriting partners, or the expectations of their fans to produce something pleasantly surprising.

Across nine tracks Volto! take great pleasure in reliving the glory days of Jazz Fusion, with Babko's humming keyboard and organ work driving on much of the rangey, wide scoped music. However much like albums of the past when this genre was first being explored, the ethos of Incitare is to allow all four musicians the time and space to shine, sometimes together, often alone. Ziegler darts between heavy riffs in a way which will open the door to more Rock oriented onlookers, while Babko and Morrison surge and slide from all out assaults to sleazy segues. However where this album thrives is in providing all of this superb musicianship a huge dollop of groove, Carey and Morrison locking together superbly in places, the precise percussionist just as comfortable and effective when driving this beast on his own.

The mid-paced, yet still pushy "Whopner" is a prime example, keyboards stabbing yet light, guitars looming yet melodic, bass bulging yet contained. All the while the drums drive the song on while stubbornly refusing to lock into an easy beat. However you can't help leaning in and experiencing each nuance, while being thoroughly hooked by a vibe which is easily latched on to, even though intricacies are thrown out at will. "Drumbeaux" begins as a considered excuse for Carey to show off his tom skills, before bursting into one of the most metallic, almost Tool like episodes of this album. Although "BHP" possibly beats it to that crown while still being funky Jazz. "Quirk" hits like Joe Satriani in full Jazz mode, Ziegler spurting through frantically controlled lead lines at will. Other factors also come into play "Tocino" is jarring, avant-garde Space Psych, heading more wantonly into Progressive territory, although the fusion is never far away. In the end what Volto! have created is an album that feels almost half a century out of step, with the 60s vibe of Jazz Rock discovery being resurrected in fine style.

Time killing side band or not, Volto! know exactly what they are about and they know how to execute it in stunning style. Neither a quick fix, nor easy listening, Incitare proves that not all "projects" are easily forgotten or quickly dismissed. Here's hoping another helping of Volto! is heading our way soon. Live this quartet must be stupendously good.

Track Listing
1. Grip It
2. Gillz
3. Whopner
4. Drumbeaux
5. Quirk
6. BHP
7. Meltdown
8. Tocino
9. I'm Calm Now

Added: October 12th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Volto! Online
Hits: 2210
Language: english

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