Stayfun
from Stayfun webzine
The sound of Ataxia is mighty.
I’ve never really followed John Frusciante too closely. I respect him from a distance mainly, but Ataxia may well have written the album that bridges the divide for me. Of course, it helps that the trio is completed by Josh Klinghoffer (he of the current pulverizing PJ Harvey live band), and Joe Lally of Fugazi. So, yeah, together they be mighty.
Maybe it’s worrying when you look at the track-listing and see only five songs on there. It did seem a little unusual at first glance. Then you realize the running time is almost 45 minutes and you have to prepare yourself for the long haul of each track. But it’s honestly not a punishment. In fact, the length of the tracks is even a bonus once you learn to dread the thought of them ever ending.
Firstly, the bass lines are pounding. Looping hypnotically in precise patterns, they are completely unrelenting. You can definitely hear shards of that familiar Fugazi sound just from the processing alone, but there is new magic here too. It drives every single song, creating a solid backbone for the guitar arpeggios to menacingly interlace themselves around like blood-stained fingers.
The guitar work is impressive too. Solid rhythms and unexpected hooks rule the space, and then every so often Frusciante explodes into his familiar solo territory. It never sounds contrived or misplaced, though. Praise be for guitar solos that actually work. Jesus, even Frusciante’s voice starts to become appealing as you lose yourself in these jams. These songs may be dark and unhappy, but together they make up one of the most satisfying rock albums of the year. Think black. Think Ataxia.
—Steven McCarron
