3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
VAI, the band.. it’s a BAND this time…you must understand, February 21, 2002
Reviewer: “heyjosh” (CA United States) – See all my reviews
This is one of those magical albums with a union of such musicians that the result of the union becomes infinitely more powerful than the sum of the individuals.
We all know how insanely great Steve is (been hooked ever since Flex-able), but think for a moment about the other musicians: TERRY BOZZIO on drums. This guy has a style (especially on this album) that completely blows me away. NOTHING like it out there. (Check out “Still My Bleeding Heart”, especially at the end).
1st time listeners, what just smacked you upside the head was the percussive yet soulful and at times powerfully shrill vocals of Devon Townsend. This Canadian power-vocalist means business. If you don’t care for screaming vocals, fine, but the passion and power of his performances cannot be overlooked.
Add TM Stevens’s funky yet unobtrusive bass chops in to the mix and we already have an incredible band that I would listen to.
Bring it all together with the unparalelled chops and MUSICALITY (here’s the key many reviews before have missed) of Mr. Vai to this band and album, and you have Sex & Religion.
While the thematic content of much of the album is somewhat controversial (ritual suicide, loud disagreements…over morality), it is overall a very passionate album. Each member of this band has completely convinced me that they played their hearts out on this. Yet the grooves and melodies and sweetly crunchy guitar riffs are not sacrificed.
Highlights: “In My Dreams With You” is a beautifully nasty ballad. “Survive” is a great vocal/guitar anthem set to tribal funk that will not be ignored. “Still My Bleeding Heart” amazes me every single time I hear it. Bozzio and Townsend go OFF!! “Touching Toungues” is a moving instrumental that provides balance to the album (also note the vocals used as instrument by Devon. Very nice!) “State of Grace” is middle-eastern flavored instrumental precursor to Fire Garden.
This album pumps me up when I feel down and allows release when I feel angry. But that’s just me. I give it 5 stars. The only thing that breaks my heart is the fact that this band is no more and probably never again will be. Each musician has moved on to many other things and directions since this album. Sure was great while it lasted.