The Post review of TROWFTD
20th February 2001, The Post (USA)
Through his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante has established himself as one of the premier guitarists in modern rock. Fans of his funky, jam-based approach with the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be caught off guard by his third solo release, To Record Only Water for Ten Days.
In this album, Frusciante steps away from his funk roots and moves toward acoustic-type ballads, which feature his quirky vocals accompanied by synthesizers and programmed drum tracks.
Water starts with the ominous chords of “Going Inside,” a creepy ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Like most of the tracks on Water, Frusciante provides a backdrop consisting of a straightforward chord progression and some programmed drums. He then fills in the gaps with a mixture of synthesizers and intricate lyrics.
These synthesizers work especially well on “The First Season.” As his gentle acoustic strumming leads the way, Frusciante creates a tension and release pattern by switching between melancholy orchestral textures and soothing flute sounds.
The standout track on Water is “Remain,” a riff-based acoustic folk song that showcases Frusciante’s unique vocal approach. Synthesizer backgrounds and galloping bass thumps give the track a modern feel. The song climaxes at the end with a Pink Floyd-like mixture of sustaining processed voices, acoustic guitar and Frusciante’s echoing vocals.
Also worthy of mention is the instrumental, “Ramparts.” This beautiful, one-minute, nine-second mix of three guitars and a harp leaves the listener longing for more. The song also features signature lead guitar work reminiscent of Frusciante’s performance on the Chili Pepper’s song “I Could Have Lied.”
With Water, Frusciante abandons the polished production values of the Chili Peppers’ albums and opts for a looser, more organic feel. The peculiarity of his voice, which ranges from a low growl to a high-pitched howl, might be a turnoff for some listeners. But fans of inventive guitar work, innovative drum and synthesizer use and deep lyrics should give it a listen.
— Curt Cashour
