Black Light Syndrome

Steve Stevens, Tony Levin, Terry Bozzio, Bozzio Levin Stevens, Bozzio Levin Stevens | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 15, 1997)
• Original Release Date: July 15, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Magna Carta
• ASIN: B000003ZBI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,676 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #30 in Music > Indie Music > Rock > Progressive
  • #54 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > General
  • #99 in Music > Indie Music > New Age > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take this voyage through paradise, July 4, 2002

By 

Archel (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Light Syndrome (Audio CD)

If you LIKE instrumental virtuosity of the highest order, but only LOVE it when it serves stellar compositions (in this case improvisations); comes straight from the soul; never asserts itself by compromising musicality; carries strong character; defies conventions; and is used to paint vivid pictures, create deep moods and stir emotions that no other group of musicians is likely to replicate, then Black Light Syndrome is your destiny (assuming you deserve it).

In fact, each track here consists of a sublime voyage of beautiful images, thoughts and feelings that should have music lovers of various biases and degrees of obsession queuing up for another ride, again and again and .... If you read the sleeve you probably won't believe your eyes that the track length ranges from 7:25 to 14.37min (10 min on average). So compelling are the majesty and gradually revealing intricacies and treasures of this free-form masterpiece. Such is its lack of filler or senseless flash.

Mind you, the above is achieved while meeting (though by far exceeding) the criteria of "musicians' music" with masterful technique and meter alterations, mad toning, and highly complex (yet delicious) melodies and rhythms.

It is an understatement to say that the coherent interplay and interactive tension betray the fact that BLS was spontaneously composed/improvised (with "unconditional acceptance of all members' ideas") in four days before which the trio had never played together. You may call it chemistry, but magic is a better word.

Given that Bozzio and Levin are among THE most distinguished players of their respective instruments, and considering their countless projects and sessions, you may think you have an idea what to expect. Don't kid yourself.

By Bozzio's own admission, BLS was his first real opportunity to release Bozzio the artist, as distinct from Bozzio the drummer. Indeed, he manages to convince that the former may well be even more significant than the latter.

Bozzio's drumming here has been described elsewhere as a `polyrhythmic jungle,' but that is way too broad a reference. He goes far beyond supporting or accenting the complex compositions and demonstrating rhythmic complexities. He manages to simultaneously or in part lead and contrast the melodies, contrast his own rhythms, create and contrast the imagery and atmosphere of the music, and even mimic Stevens' fast fretboard runs on his many cymbals. Furthermore, you'd be hard pressed to find a drummer/percussionist that pushes the boundaries of tuning, toning and texture to serve the music as far as Bozzio does.

Levin's bass/stick genius already had me converted by his work with the great King Crimson, but here he reveals a more human, `natural' side. He opens up his soul to his band-mates and listeners and lets us touch and share it all the way through groove/melody/tone heaven.

As others have noted, the biggest surprise on this album is Stevens, the apparent `glam-rocker' of Billy Idol and Atomic Playboys fame. In the process of accenting the dangers of judging a book by its cover, he proves to be the ultimate antithesis of guitar heroes who can't grasp the concept of developing technique, speed and precision for the sole purpose of improving articulation of meanings and improving musicality, rather than simply saying "look what I can do."

Stevens weaves in and out of fiery and mellow acoustic and electric guitar work with such conviction and finesse that he'll have you begging for more like few if any other guitarists could. His ability to bring a wide range of dynamics and senses in one song while keeping strong touch with a core foundation has caused even the most demanding of "guitar music" critics to ask: "Where does Stevens pull this up from? Fascinating."

Bozzio's liner notes reveal a prophecy when he writes: "Stevens' ... profound sense of melody, harmony, virtuoso technique, stylistic sensibility and philosophical tendencies immediately revealed that this was going to be much more than a commercially-driven studio project."

Pull out your plastic or paper now and fight the heinous crime that is the overlooking of this humble masterpiece of progressive music. You can then do the same with its follow-up, Situation Dangerous.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to explain just how great it is..., October 22, 2001

By 

R. Moses (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black Light Syndrome (Audio CD)

... Having followed TB's career closely since the Zappa days, I think you'd have a hard time finding a better example of his brilliance, with the possible exception of his "Drawing the Circle" album. Bozzio is a monster on this album. And Tony Levin, while his contribution is less up-front due to his later entrance into the project, is absolutely wonderful. His every note is gorgeous and perfect.

But my primary amazement comes from Stevens. Who knew?!? I picked up the album thinking, okay...Bozzio, genius. Levin, genius. But Steve Stevens? The big-hair guy from Billy Idol's band? Why, God, why?!? And then I played the album. Good heavens, this man's an amazing talent. Yes, he plays one real hair-farmer-like riff about 30 seconds into the album, just to get it out of the way, but from there on in he plays some of the most tasteful and articulate guitar I have ever heard, ranging from crunching rock to fluent flamenco. He is a wonder to behold, and he is nearly always appropriate to the music.

My favorite musician in the world, to the point of unhealthy obsession, is Mike Keneally. His genius "Sluggo!" album came out the same year as "Black Light Syndrome." When asked what I thought was the best album released that year, I had to grit my teeth and admit it...it's BLS, hands down. It's that good. Five stars doesn't begin to say it.

Oh, it also sports the absolute worst cover in rock history. Don't let it scare you off.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spontaneous and Threatening, October 7, 2003

By 

Damage "damage88" (London, ON Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Light Syndrome (Audio CD)

The moment my senses were stricken by Black Light Syndrome, the world became a better, weirder, happy, eerie place with an elated hope that music could once again be spontaneous and threatening in the best of ways. Spontaneous and alive with a fresh conception of where music can grow if given freedom, threatening the axiom of what "progressive rock" ought to be, Black Light Syndrome is a rare chance for the listener to be entertained and challenged. Terry Bozzio (drums), Tony Levin (bass/stick) and Steve Stevens (guitars) meld together wonderfully in this incredible project recorded over a span of only four days in an environment where each member had equal and unconditional input to its improvisational composition. That freedom is always evident.

Known for their musical efforts with a seemingly countless number of artists, Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons), Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon), and Stevens (Billy Idol, Atomic Playboys) bring their influences to the album with a strangely comfortable feel. From the moody opening of The Sun Road, to the raucous noise of Dark Corners, to the flamenco fusion of Duende, Bozzio Levin Stevens introduce the record with a musical prowess that is both unpredictable and daring. The musing, jazzy title track coolly soars into Falling In Circles with an odd yet familiar vibe that crackles with electricity, while Book Of Hours gently soothes the tension afterwards. It is the album's closing track that best summarizes the entire listening experience, appropriately titled, Chaos/Control.

Black Light Syndrome is a bold mix of rock, jazz and world beat rhythms, carefully balancing fury and serenity in a soundscape of consciousness. Certainly not mainstream. Definitely excellent. This album comes highly recommended to anyone demanding more from music and I can only hope Bozzio, Levin and Stevens will work together again. Get it!