JOE DENINZON & STRATOSPHEERIUS – Impostor! (Album Review)

Rare is the rock band that elevates the violin to the fore as a lead instrument. Your first thought likely goes to “Dust In The Wind”. No surprise then that Stratospheerius’ lead singer and violin player is also currently the violin player in Kansas. Yes, it’s a small world for the electric violin players who wish to rock out. All the more reason to explore Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius‘ latest release “Impostor!” which pulls off the feat with aplomb. 

The “Impostor!” album has the benefit of largely being culled from various singles released over recent years, meaning that this is an excellent collection that is diverse in scope. Happily, all the pieces seem to fit well together, including new tracks included here for the first time. Deninzon’s band has shifted membership over the years but this outing sports a truly stellar lineup: Jason Gianni’s drumming commands each song, several of which he co-wrote, and Paul Ranieri wields a wide range of tones on his bass to support his supple playing, Michelangelo Quirinale’s guitar is a suitable scorching lead to match Deninzon’s violin solos, and keyboard maestro Bill Hubauer dazzles on the symphonic level. All contribute backing vocals, so this is a very strong band at the mic as well. Oh, and ace Rich Mouser adds his skills to the production with crisp results. 

One of the most exciting pieces on the album is a new instrumental titled “Voodoo Vortex”. Rooted in a ‘70s-era Jean Luc Ponty vibe, this Vortex takes the listener on a transcendent sonic journey in two parts. In typical unexpected prog fashion, a shorter Part 2 opens the album with more fanfare, while the more extended Part 1 arrives later in the album’s sequencing. Hey, it works. The melodious piano of Hubauer then introduces the new single “Outrage Olympics”, a pointed observation on the state of cancel culture in our society today. It’s a loaded topic in which Deninzon sidesteps current politics and instead focuses on the caustic nature of moralistic policing and its consequences. 

The next few songs bring more fire to the album, starting with the title track which touches a bit on the Kansas vibe even though it was penned before Deninzon joined that band. Dealing with a psychological insecurity theme that most self-conscious people carry to some degree but that the power-hungry and narcissists never would, the lyrics wisely observe “Everybody has an impostor syndrome except the fools who run the world.” Musically the song finds Deninzon in great form vocally as the band cranks it out and features a hot violin solo towards the end. “Cognitive Dissonance” keeps up the intensity – and the charged lyrical content – which is delivered in one verse by guest Randy McStine. As Deninzon explains: “The guitar/violin duel in the last section represents two sides crying and screaming at each other, full of hatred, fading out screaming, never reaching an understanding or resolution.” How much cooler would it be if we could air our differences on the fretboard instead of computer screens, a la the classic guitar slinger duel in “Crossroads”? 

More guests are introduced for the dramatic “Storm Surge”. Although written during the pandemic, we could apply it to the literal hurricanes storming through the southeast States right now. Michael Sadler delivers an impassioned lead vocal. The song features wonderful dynamics, finding Fernando Perdomo performing on all kinds of guitars, and Rachel Flowers playing delicate flute and piano during the more delicate sections. Based on a piano etude theme from Friederich Burgmüller, Deninzon knocks it out of the park with this rock arrangement that borders on Queen grandiosity.

As the flute and piano gently subside from the storm, it’s a perfect moment for a violin-infused rendition of King Crimson’s classic “Frame By Frame”. This piece sounds so natural and fitting for Stratospheerius to cover – Deninzon’s vocals and Val Vigoda’s backing vocals offering a very satisfying delivery, Ranieri’s flanged bass is captivating and Gianni powers through the Bruford approach with skill. Quirinale lays down a scorching solo towards the latter half, too. It’s impressive that a cover doesn’t detract from the album as a whole but instead elevates it, a welcome moment of nostalgia that feels very relevant. 

Vocals are featured on the light & airy “Tripping the Merry Go Round”, accompanied primarily by guest cellists and Deninzon’s violin, serving as an aperitif before the mini-epic “Chasing the Dragon” which follows. This 12-minute piece brings Chloe Lowery to the fore on lead & backing vocals on some of the sections, a lovely addition. The multi-part mini rock opera tells the tale of getting lost in the dreams of our passions – for better and for worse. Ranieri’s bass turns fretless at one point to make his point, while Hubauer comes a little more into the mix, both vocally and especially on synths and piano. Towards the last section, there’s a rousing 3-way-duel between violin, guitar, and keys which culminates in chasing the tale (tail?) of the dragon. It’s an ambitious piece that makes for a great closure to the album. 

If you haven’t checked out Stratospheerius before, this is the perfect place to start, with an album that has a little something for everyone but flows together as one cohesive outing. It’s classy, edgy, and masterful at the same time. Bravo! 

Released By: 7D Media
Release Date: October 11th, 2024
Genre: Progressive Rock

Musicians:

• Joe Deninzon / Lead vocals, electric 7-string Viper violin, acoustic violin, viola, chin cello, acoustic guitar, bass
• Michelangelo Quirinale / Guitars, background vocals
• Paul Ranieri / Bass, background vocals
• Bill Hubuaer / Keyboards, backing vocals
• Jason Gianni / Drums, percussion, backing vocals

“Impostor!” Track-Listing:

1. Voodoo Vortex (Part II)
2. Outrage Olympics
3. Impostor!
4. Cognitive Dissonance
5. Storm Surge
6. Frame by Frame
7. Voodoo Vortex (Part I)
8. Tripping the Merry-Go-Round
9. Chasing the Dragon

Order “Impostor!” HERE