John Frusciante
Inside Of Emptiness

THE REVIEW

When talking about the six CDs that our John released over six months, this one is rarely mentioned, I've noticed...

Sure, it probably isn't the best he's recorded, and I also believe that if he had made just one CD with the best of the six, it would have resulted in a masterpiece in rock history (exaggerated? I can't help it, I have a soft spot for him...), but that doesn't take away from the fact that this "Inside Of Emptiness" is a great result.

To tell the truth, though, the first time I heard it, I was a bit taken aback: what lousy recordings, I thought, probably in my basement-rehearsal room he would have recorded better...
It took several listens to completely change my mind, and now I think two things: that the various technicians did their job perfectly, and above all, that John wrote some pretty good tracks!
He goes from the engaging distorted riffs of "What I Saw" or "Look On" to the simple clean chords of "I'm Around" or "A Firm Kick", uses all the effects he has in an exciting way (some solos are beautiful!), inserts synthesizers and keyboards moderately without ever spoiling them (indeed...), sings now a melodic whisper, now an almost hysterical acid, now a firm and decisive, now a high-pitched falsetto... in short, all his characteristics we know well and that I, personally, appreciate. Of course, there are negative notes, especially that he doesn't offer anything innovative or unheard of and reeks too much of commercial. But that's the price to pay if you want to put out an album a month. Last thing to note is the drummer's work, which I really liked: never prevailing but always with that touch that captures the listener's attention.

In conclusion: I know my judgment is heavily influenced by being a big fan of Frusciante, but as a guitarist, you either love him or hate him! I recommend listening: it won't be anything memorable, but it's pleasant and easy to listen to, without ever becoming boring.