Search - Ataxia :: Automatic Writing

Experimental Guitar Greatness

bart-q | St. Louis | 08/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

A venture into space... time... and other dimensions

Brent Wettlaufer | 09/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

An Amazing Collaboration

Nik Zero | 03/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is clearly a love letter to all the great Krautrock bands-- most clearly, Ataxia is paying tribute to Can, Neu!, Ash Ra Tempel, Faust, Amon Duul II, Tangerine Dream, etc. Repetitive grooves seem to pound away forever, as guitars (and the occasional keyboard) create abstract washes of color and sharp, sudden, angular melodies.



This is not an album for anyone who thought "I Like Dirt" by the RHCP was a great song. This is not a record for people who think modern music should be restricted to 3 minute ditties about sex or violence-- which isn't to say that "Automatic Writing" isn't sexy or violent in places, but those things certainly aren't the sole focus of these songs. Buy this CD if you're into ten minute-long tracks that slowly but surely unfold and expand before your very ears.



I can understand everyone fawning over John Frusciante's contribution to Ataxia, because frankly, the man is a certifiable Genius and he does some amazing work on this record. However, this band wouldn't exist without the rhythm section's outstanding, hypnotic contributions, so give credit where it's due-- Ataxia is a gift to modern music, continuing a grand tradition of spacey, explorative music while adding their own modern touches."