Allan Holdsworth
Atavachron

Captain's log, stardate 5943.7... I know, some of you may wonder what relevance all this has to the de-review of the album. If you have patience, I'll explain it to you; otherwise, you can skip these lines and go directly to the review.

If you closely observe the illustrated cover (score 3.7 recurring), you'll notice that the setting is that of Star Trek from the '60s (penultimate episode of the third and final season). Holdsworth is wearing a red shirt (engineering section) but the federation emblem is not the bent arrow, but a white spider (!?). Due to the dying sun, planet Sarpeidon is destined for destruction, and the inhabitants are forced to take refuge in other times thanks to the Atavachron. The Atavachron is a machine equipped with numerous metallic disks that, once inserted on special pedestals, allow passage through a portal to other time periods. On the cover, the metallic disk depicts a child with a turntable. Was Holdsworth intent on returning to his past to create a time paradox? Sorry... back to the album review now.

Allan Holdsworth is a musician always in constant search of perfection even with the help of always new instrumental techniques and technologies. In fact, in this work, there is a particularly technological instrument: the Synthaxe, a guitar-synthesizer. The structure of the tracks is quite complex and is sufficient for Holdsworth and his colleagues (G. Husband on drums, J. Johnson on bass, and B. Childs on keyboards plus some guests) to perform great solo excursions. "Non Brewed Condiment" starts with a thunderous drum attack from G. Husband. Afterwards comes Holdsworth with the Synthaxe with an apparently endless solo. Allan, in this track, highlights his technical abilities. "Funnels" is a calmer track with guitar touches and light keyboard solos by B. Childs. "The Dominant Plague" with drum work by C. Wackerman (former F. Zappa) in the spotlight and Holdsworth's solo as always outside the classic guitar schemes. "Atavachron" is an excellent track with a melodic and romantic style. "Looking Glass" is a piece with dynamic drumming by T. Williams. In my opinion, it is musically the weakest track on the album despite Allan's presence. "Mr. Berwell" has an extremely melancholic tone highlighted by the ticking of raindrops with the backdrop of thunder from a storm. The track then flows into an exemplary rather elaborate solo by Holdsworth. The album closes with "All Our Yesterday," a standalone episode where Rowanne Mark's ethereal voice introduces an improvised instrumental.

Undoubtedly an important work that at times is not very emotional but highlights a musician of great guitar talent.

PS: "Live long and prosper to everyone."