ATTICUS FAULT
self-titled (MCA)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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There are moments on Atticus Fault's self-titled album which are unbound by convention. Utilizing quirky electronic tones, spread out over deep smoky guitars the hooks are definitely there and come one after another - in spots, it has the playful feel of early Orb work with 70's rock compliment. These spots are interrupted, however, with the viral outbreak of light alternative rock and dime store mystical lyricism. It would be remiss to leave out songs like "Little People" and "Soundtrack" which are solid, brazen tracks. The overall production by Jay Joyce is superb, bringing instruments in and out of the mix with astounding craftsmanship, but there is the overall sense that someone is trying pretty damn hard to project something. My guess is that the goal is a packaged rock and roll fantasyland but the hand to bring the listener in just isn't there on this album.

© 2002 - Erick Mertz