Background
"Enclosure" is an experimental rock album released by American artist and guitarist John Frusciante in 2014, after his second departure from the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2009. Widely understood for his remarkable guitar abilities and ingenious music design, Frusciante explores deeper into electronic and speculative music in the "Enclosure" album, including elements of synth-pop, electronica, and post-rock genres.
Following his previous solo efforts, such as "To Record Only Water for Ten Days", "Shadows Collide with People", and "The Empyrean", Frusciante extracts his huge influences and creativity to form what some may refer to as his most futuristic and avant-garde effort to date. The album was preceded by a single, "Scratch", which was launched in January of the exact same year.
Recording and Production
Frusciante worked on "Enclosure" at different stages, while he was also hectic producing other projects, namely the EP "Outsides" and his work for hip-hop group Black Knights. The album was tape-recorded and mixed predominantly at his home studio in Los Angeles, California, with minimal involvement of extra musicians or partners. The production procedure included modifying and manipulating various instruments using digital workstations to develop layers of sound that would mix electronic beats with guitars and Frusciante's signature vocals.
In an interview discussing the album, Frusciante revealed that he had actually been dealing with "Enclosure" for over a year, explore various production strategies, arrangements, and synthesizers. He claimed that the development of the album permitted him to implement lessons he had actually learned from his deal with other artists, along with information gathered during his individual research study of electronic and digital music.
Artistic Direction and Themes
"Enclosure" sees Frusciante straying even further from his roots in standard rock and guitar-driven music. The album provides a dense collage of sounds that teeters in between chaos and consistency, discovering an unique balance that reflects Frusciante's inner thoughts and emotions.
While some tracks such as "Sleep" and "Fanfare" showcase a more ambient and atmospheric side of the album, other tracks like "Zone" and "Run" exhibit a more aggressive mixture of electronic textures and rock guitar riffs. Frusciante's vocals, which are often layered and balanced, add a heavenly quality to the album, making it seem like a futuristic and transcendent collection of tunes.
Although the majority of the album looks into electronic areas, there are still aspects of Frusciante's signature guitar work to be found throughout. Ultimately, the album functions as another testament to his ever-evolving musical style, as he presses the limits of what's possible in his art.
Vital Reception
"Enclosure" got blended to positive evaluations, with some critics praising the album's speculative nature, while others felt that Frusciante's venture into electronic music did not have the depth and remarkable moments found in his earlier works. However, the album was viewed as a bold step for Frusciante, representing his development as an artist.
In conclusion, "Enclosure" stands as a testimony to John Frusciante's ongoing evolution as an artist. While it may not fit the mold of his more traditionally guitar-based work, the album functions as a brave and innovative exploration of various music genres and designs. For fans of Frusciante's ever-changing musical journey, "Enclosure" offers an interesting and unexpected listening experience.
Artist: John Frusciante
John Frusciante, guitarist of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Dive into his biography, solo career, and best quotes!
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