WHAT IF

Reactions to the Dixie Dregs seem to fall into two distinct camps. On the one hand, you have their very enthusiastic fans, those with whom this music really resonates, for whom What If is a real gem. On the other hand, you have listeners like me - folks who can appreciate the technical chops on offer here, but who are left somewhat cold by the whole thing, the fusion package offered up here tasting flavourless and plastic-y.

Maybe it's the down-home Southern-ness of it all, but I just find the Dregs' music an impressively intricate way to express absolutely nothing, a crystal-clear example of how technical chops don't save your compositions from being just a little trite. I won't rate it below three stars, because it's clear that there's some real skill being applied here, but I think this is one where you'll either love it or find yourself entirely unable to see what all the fuss is about,