VAI: SEX & RELIGION

Vai's songwriting is instantly appealing, catchy, and spirited. Most of the songs have a straight- ahead rock vibe, sometimes approaching pop status, but underlying all of it is a nuanced production and truly dense sounding performances. The listener is constantly hit with infectious melodies, technical flourish, and razor's edge guitar work; these songs will stick with you. Vai's virtuosity is present everywhere with sonically creative and exciting solos, but never so overwhelming that one would guess that this is a "solo" album. "Sex and Religion" is very song-oriented, with each member contributing equally to the overall effect (and what a rhythm section!). Well... except one member...

If "Sex and Religion" will do one thing, it will either remind/initiate the listener into the loving fandom of Devin Townsend... or affirm the listener's relentless hatred of Townsend's powerfully excessive vocals. I LOVE Devin's screams, squeeks, wails, croons, and sustains, and am more than satisfied-- he is more crazy here than on most of his solo albums. How he hasn't suffered an aneurism from these screams is beyond me. He belts out Vai's engaging lyrics with passion and wild abandon, giving "Sex and Religion" a memorable and distinguishalbe stamp of style and pizzazz that only Devin can deliver. He almost passes out at the conclusion fo the title track (seriously). Recommended!

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4

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