Customer Reviews

Automatic Writing

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A collaboration between Joe Lally, the bassist for Fugazi, and John Frusciante of the Chili Peppers, along with his friend Josh Klinghoffer --- this album is sort of a "supergroup" type of project, though, only for the open-minded. The album has five tracks, each averaging just over 9 minutes - which makes for some lasting impressions.

As with all of Frusciante's previous work, these songs bring the listener to a new place by the end of each song. Those who are impatient, or into 3 minute pop tunes - stay away. For those who are seeking some interesting experimental music, climb aboard!

Lally and Klinghoffer lay down a canvas that is fortified with solid and repetative bass lines and evolving drumming. These guys aren't Flea and Chad Smith - that's for sure. But, they aren't supposed to be either. They are both talented in their own right. The real treat, however, is the experimental guitar work from Frusciante. He seems to use his vintage synth setup to affect the sounds of his electric guitars, and even vocals at times. Wow - this is some cool music.

Feel safe buying this album if you're open-minded and seeking some cutting edge music. This record is great!

Ataxia's a collaboration of three artists: John Frusciante from Red Hot Chili Peppers, his good friend Josh Klinghoffer from Bicycle Thief, and Fugazi's Joe Lally. The sound is unlike any three of them, they venture forth into new and delighting realms. Automatic Writing begins with a rather simplistic bass riff, coupled with a haunting, echoing electric guitar. From even the beginning, you know you're in for a ride. Percussion is minimalist, allowing the bass line to define itself easily, and Frusciante wretches his soul for all meaning in every single word he growls out. Synthesizers are a-plenty, adding many complex angles and rhythms to every song, while the percussion and bass is used completely for rhythmic purpose. This is Space Rock re-kindled, only 35 years after artists such as Pink Floyd meddled with the effects of spacing out. This is not an album for everyone, and it will take more than one listen to grasp all of the layers involved, but it is an experience that the reviewer has never experienced before, and would be more than grateful to happen again. This is the best I've heard Frusciante play, he really lets loose and leaves out all of the pop harmonies he's studied with RHCP and recently in his solo work. Music is a form of art, and this is the most artistic album I've heard this year, a welcome break from the manufactured "Garage Rock" being released by the truck load. An essential listen for the music enthusiast.

Ataxia is a great band. Automatic writing is a full length album where each track sends you into your own personal realm of joy. Listening to this cd is a journey in exploration of emotion. Buy this for experimental open-minded music...not your normal pop album or "traditional" JF album.

Extremely beautiful. I love every minute, and I love everything that the amazing and incredible John Frusciante has created. This album is incredible, and you should only buy it if you really know who John Frusciante is, and what he is trying to do. Amazing album, you just can't say enough about Mr. Frusciante. Nice work by Josh and Joe as well.

I don't know how you could be a fan of John Frusciante and or Fugazi and NOT like this CD. The second I heard Joe Lallys' opening bass lines from 'Dust', I knew this was going to be a good cd. Excellent guitar work from Frusciante especially track 3, ' The Sides'. Couple of songs weren't as strong, but overall, this CD is well worth it. High points: 'Dust' and 'The Sides'( these tracks alone make the CD well worth it) Don't hesitate to pick this one up. We're lucky to have a guy like Frusciante releasing so much good music in such a short period of time. Hopefully Ataxia will release a full length LP or two.

This is a great album in my opinion because Mr Frusciante really lets loose in his playing. Guitar wise I can hear why he once waited to try out for Frank Zappa. If you're into music that is not run of the mill then give this a couple of listens. I won't say "its a hit, greatest cd ever" or anything lame like that. But I can say its really cool and experimental.

If you like John Frusciante's other music, you should like Automatic Writing. It's more progressive than his other stuff. However, I'm not sure I could dislike anything from JF; if you haven't gotten into him yet and are looking for a place to start, you might want to try To Record Only Water for Ten Days, or The Will to Death.

Wow! Here is the release to get if you want to hear john blow the hell up on guitar. Proving he is one of the best ever. I personally liked the bass lines a lot. They were simple, but very direct and worked really well with the aesthetic that they were going for. Don't consider it, just buy it if you like his music. It's got a dark tone, but is not melancholy or emo. It's just badass especially the second song.

When I picked this album up, and put it in the CD player driving home, I listened to the first track "Dust" like 3 or 4 times before continuing on through the rest of the album, which is actually a full length album at over 44 minutes with only 5 tracks. I listen to both Fugazi and John Frusciante's works - I'm a huge fan of both - but this album is different then anything any of these collective artists have released. This project is deep, it rocks, all of the tracks are strong - If you're a fan of good rock music that inspires you to crank up your volume - buy this album. I hope to see these artists collaborate on future projects.

Automatic Writing is definitely a change of gears for Frusciante. He moves away from structured song writing and ventures towards heavy grooves and experimental melodies. What really ties this album together is John's sense of spontaneity. His playing feels so raw and unrehearsed, there's almost a psychotic energy to it. However, not all of John's guitar parts are obtrusive and in your face. There are many instances when his playing is layered, and meshed with synthesizers to create some very warm, atmospheric textures. While the bass lines are indeed a tad repetitive, this album makes up for it with a roller coaster ride of dynamics. All things considered I think The Will to Death is a slightly superior record. However, I must admit that it is always refreshing to hear Frusciante's experimental side.