Niacin: Deep (2000)

The third studio album from this fusion power trio packs a two-fisted wallop and takes no prisoners. Billy Sheehan's bass solos on "Panic Button" and "Sugar Blues" are highlights, but, in truth, much of the record is practically a bass solo. His sound is crushing -- not unlike the fat tone Chris Squire used to get in the early days of Yes, but pumped up with even more gain. John Novello wrings astonishing sounds out of the Hammond B-3 organ, and drummer Dennis Chambers gives every track enough rhythmic juice to power a small country. The instrumental cover of Van Halen's "Mean Streets" verges on silly, however. "Things Ain't Like They Used to Be" (not to be confused with the similarly titled Duke Ellington tune) isn't much of a song, and Glenn Hughes' guest vocal is overblown, but guitar ace Steve Lukather contributes tasty licks and a hair-raising solo. Niacin's sound can get a little wearisome after a while, but if muscular, technically adept fusion is your thing, this is your band. ~ David R. Adler

Tracklist:
01. Swing Swang Swung - 3:47
02. Best Laid Plans - 4:23
03. Sugar Blues - 5:47
04. Stompin' Ground - 5:01
05. Blue Mondo - 5:52
06. Panic Button - 5:34
07. Bootleg Jeans - 6:58
08. Mean Streets (Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, Edward Van Halen) - 5:35
09. This One's Called... - 3:43
10. Klunkified - 2:56
11. Ratta McQue - 3:45
12. Things Ain't Like They Used To Be - 7:21
Bonus:
13. Bluesion - 4:16
All compositions written by Billy Sheehan and John Novello, except where noted.
Personnel:
Billy Sheehan - bass, rhythm guitar (12), producer
John Novello - Hammond B3 organ, piano, Rhodes, producer
Dennis Chambers - drums
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Glenn Hughes - vocals (12)
Steve Lukather - guitar (12)
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