Frusciante’s first recorded work in four years will bring joy to fans. Always on the experimental edge, he can challenge your perceptions, and reward you with persistence. The Empyrean is more concise body of work, and due to this, possibly his most accessible. A Big debt to the 70’s is at play, with a wonderful cover of Tim Buckley’s ‘Song To The Siren’, and the opening guitar workout of ‘Before The Beginning’ resembling a ‘Maggot Brain’ spawn. If there is a weakness, it is the feeling that some songs are under developed. Quite minor as it is always a fascinating listen.
JOHN FRUSCIANTE – The Empyrean
Record Collection/EMI
4/5
Kevin Bull
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