Fasterlouder.com.au
24th November 2004, fasterlauder.com.au
thanks to Maverick
John Frusciante is most renowned for being the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, however he is no stranger to solo releases having a number of albums to back up his ventures. His latest efforts can be heard with this release.
Frusicante’s earlier recordings are a very insipid indication of what one might expect from the DC EP, however if you’re a fan of the Chili Peppers than you will most likely not be disappointed with Frusciante’s efforts on this recording. Similarities with the Chili Pepper’s in vocal style and obviously with the guitaring clearly recognisable, although Frusciante has still managed to incorporate a sound of his own which gives this a much more unique stance.
The first of the four songs is Dissolve. The song won’t necessarily knock you off your feet or make you fall “Flat on your back†like Frusciante suggests in the first verse but the song does have its moments which are almost shining gold. Despite his earlier releases which left some to believe that he couldn’t sing, Frusciante has actually developed quite a pleasant ring with his voice. Vocally he holds a raw edge which has finally caught up to meet the standards to complement the interesting guitar work that he is capable of. There are also times in Dissolve where Frusciante raises his pitch into a harmony and for someone who has been told he can’t sing; I think he has finally proved otherwise with his ability to quite successful mobilise his voice.
Goals is the next song and sees an emotional landslide about someone trying to work out where their goals in life have gone and why don’t they have the ambition to desire them anymore? “There’s nothing I’m really supposed to do, goals disrupt the path…†these lyrics bare witness to the sadness felt by one who doesn’t dare stray from the many norms found in society to take some individual risks, but more so refers to one who stays on the path and walks the straight line, having gained no sense of individuality whatsoever. Frusciante sings this song with a vocal sense of wisdom and apprehension to not be like the character represented in the song because their life to them has been wasted and seemingly pointless.
The last two songs A Corner and Repeating again see Frusciante mixing vocal harmonies with raw-edged verses. The vocals are definitely impressive containing an emotional feel to them which acts as a catalyst to drive the lyrics of the songs closer to the heart. Supporting these vocals are the usual impressive qualities of Frusciante’s guitaring which might be stating the obvious but nevertheless is extremely soothing and soft sounding creating an ambience in a room that’ll make you not want to do anything for the rest of the day.
Overall the DC EP is possibly the best work that I’ve heard from Frusciante and I am rather keen to hear some more. The EP is mellow and makes you want to chill out a bit, but a deeper listening and understanding of the lyrics may also make you reflect on your own life and have you questioning the path in which you are heading and I get the impression that this is exactly what Frusciante wants us to do.
Reported by: girl_of_rock
