OUT TO BOMB FRESH KINGS

Doctor Nerve's first album is a wonderful piece of RIO jazz rock. But that hardly describes it. Composer and guitarist Nick Didkovsky writes in the oddest time signatures, often at the same time. For example, in one song, "Spy Boy" most of the band is playing in 7/8, while the drums alternate between 6/16 and 4/4. And that's just one song.

The music is heavy with horns and vibraphone, often giving the band a sound that sounds like Frank Zappa on acid (sorry Frank, but it does). The music somehow manages to be catchy and alien at the same time.

The only downside is that some of the songs were recorded in less than optimal environments, and the sound suffers because of it. Otherwise, this is a must for the true RIO fan.

Hard to believe this was released back in 1984. Nick Didkovsky is the leader of this American band and he plays a mean guitar. I first became aware of Nick through his collaboration with Hugh Hopper and FOREVER EINSTEIN's John Roulat and their project called BONE. Besides Nick there are 16 other people helping on on various tracks.This is powerful, dissonant, complex and usually uptempo. I didn't really appreciate it until I listened to it with my headphones on and gave it my full attention. Insane ! Lots of horns and vibes on this one.

"Mink Shadows" has these experimental sounds that come and go as the drums join in. Horns lead 1 1/2 minutes in and they get very dissonant.The guitar then leads as it trades off with the horns. "Unna" is uptempo with the vibes chipping in.

"It's A Tincture" is a short interlude piece with spoken words and laughter. Funny stuff. "Spy Boy" is catchy with the horns blasting away. "Spy Pie" opens with spoken words then this punchy beat comes in. Nice bass 1 1/2 minutes in as the vibes follow.

"Souls Of The Rich" is eerie to start then we get percussion and samples.Violin 1 1/2 minutes in. Such a cool track and a top three. "Nothing You Can Do Hurt Me" is another top three.Intricate sounds early as the horn and guitar play oposite roles yet they work together. I have no idea ? Then it picks up after a minute. Great sound. Guitar to the fore 3 minutes in. Amazing !

"A Hammer In His Hand" is uptempo and catchy. A change before 3 minutes as the bass and guitar lead.The horns before 4 minutes start to lead. Great sounding stuff. "A God That Can Dance" is more laid back for a change with horns and a beat.

"Personnal Dept." is a short spoken word piece. "Doctor Nerve" is the other top three tune for me.This just sounds so good with the beat, vibes, bass and horns. And when the guitar kicks in it's fantastic. Some crazy horns later.

A very solid 4 stars for this one. Man these people can play !