Indie pick of the week
More info on where this is from would be much appreciated
It’s pretty much a geek’s dream week here at Perfect Pitch. Not only do I get to write about PEARL JAM but a member of FUGAZI has released a new side project as well. Can it get much better?
ATAXIA not only features Joe Lally the amazing bassist from FUGAZI but also a guy named John Frusciante who some may have heard of before. The five tracks that make up Automatic Writing (a perfect album title for this project) are one half of a three week recording session that will see a companion piece in early 2005.
When I look back on my last column and read how horrible it seems music is going, with no clear leaders in the Top 40 or a truly original underground scene I tend to lose hope. But it’s nice to open the mail and find a truly beautiful artistic statement from old heroes. And they’re not that old.
ATAXIA may be a bad band name but they make up for that with a free-flowing style that is said to be totally improvised but is so well-layered, thought out and executed it’s hard to believe these musicians weren’t planning out some greater scheme. “Dust” is an almost nine minute track that introduces us to a steady rhythm and precise execution that is the cornerstone of this new entity.
Frusciante is so misused in the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS it’s almost comical. On this album, and his last solo record, he shines as an improvisationalist and a true artist. Even his vocals are at their best.
Only his playing can distract one from the deep tones of Lally’s bass. While it had its greatest effect playing devastating riffs in FUGAZI, Lally was always the one keeping Ian and Guy’s heads bobbing. He has a sense of rhythm that has influenced every indie rock act that dares play a show. Herehe has more opportunity to showcase his range but it turns out he still likes to play the subdued backbone. Compared to the browbeating style of Flea, Frusciante must relish such a change in pace.
ATAXIA won’t change the world with its mellow, uber-jazz but it does bring two distinct musicians together in a way most never thought possible. The disc doesn’t get too experimental because of Lally’s sense of rhythm and it never bores due to Frusciante’s fragmented artist’s mind. Here’s to early 2005 when we get to hear the second chapter.
