JOHN FRUSCIANTE: PBX FUNICULAR INTAGLIO ZONE 24.09.2012

Album Review: John Frusciante (U.S.A.), PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone, Released: 24.09.2012, Label: Record Collection, Available on Double Vinyl, MP3 Download & C.D..

John is most commonly known for his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, though is also a diverse and prolific solo artist. Prior to PBX he has released 13 solo album recordings and 3 E.P.s. I find him to be a supremely skilled and intriguing musician, who's distinctive input to the Chilli's I view as what made the difference to their sound and elevated them above other rock music. The Chilli's now without his input are a mere shadow of what they were. He took the decision to leave what was a very comfortable situation with that group, as felt the musical exploration he wished to do would not be able to be managed while remaining within that conventional format.

PBX continues what was begun on his last release, the E.P. Letur-Lefr (Released 16.07.2012), namely what I would term as experimental electronica, though also the range of samples is staggering and often unexpected. The first track, 'Intro/Sabam', was not of any great note. Tracks two and three, 'Hear Say' & 'Bike' are both very enjoyable in a decidedly non-commercial vain, with lyrics which appear oddly recognisable. Track four 'Ratiug' is quite ethereal and enchanting. Track five 'Guitar' is as experimental rock can be without risking sounding a mess. Track six 'Mistakes', is a thing of wander and I would sum up as progressively angelic. Track seven 'Uprane' continues the satisfying experimentation, though is not as great as what came before.  Track eight 'Sam' continues in a similar vane. The ninth and final track 'Sum' is a bizarrely beautiful piece, which is also at times unsettling in its changes. It is extremely difficult to convey how complex this album is. I would term this as being progressive, in the sense that John's music is going into areas which appear genuinely new.

I am very impressed by this release, and suspect it will be a grower. I cannot think of another contemporary rock musician who would be capable of releasing something as remarkably different as this and have it work as a cohesive piece. As long as John continues to release music as unique and of the quality level of this, I will never regret his choice to leave the Chili's.  
(Purchased on Double Vinyl).

Rating: 09/10.