It’s been 10 years since guitarist John Frusciante emerged from heroin addiction and relative obscurity to re-join the Red Hot Chili Peppers and release the multi-platinum, “Californication.”
Frusciante enters 2009 with the release of his tenth solo album, “The Empyrean.” The concept album marks a step forward in Frusciante’s vocal range and confidence. His guitar playing is otherworldly as always.
“The Empyrean” opens with the nine minute, verse-less dream song, “Before the Beginning.” The track optimistically drags with loud hollowly drums and minor-keyed guitar chords that slowly marches into a rich-toned fender solo.
“Song to the Siren,” full of psychedelic pianos and synthesizers, trades drums and guitar solos for a set of matured vocals that stand high and sincere above the rest of the mix. The track seems to be a lengthy intro to “Unreachable,” a ’60s groove song with strange echoes and comforting pianos that nearly drown out Frusciante’s far-away yells, before being exploded by a wah-ed guitar that experiments without drifting too far from a ’60s vintage, two minute solo. The bass guitar is played by RHCP’s bassist, Flea, who also graces several
other tracks on “The Empyrean.”
“God,” probably the most rocking song and high point of “The Empyrean,” places Frusciante in the shoes of the big man. He sings with an angelic sounding anger, “You blaspheme my name, but still I love you/ still I love you.” The drums, phased and crunchy, hit hard, while an old Wurlitzer riff is surrounded by tin-can guitar chords and classical string instruments.
“The Empryean” is experimental to say the least. Frusciante skillfully blends his rock guitar and vocals with the Sonus Quartet, the New Dimension Singers (a 10-piece singing group), electronic keyboards and pianos – just to name a few.
By HUNTER EMBRY
Staff Writer
ahembry@ius.edu