“PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone” Review

Not suitable for casual listeners, John Frusciante’s 10th LP invites you to witness the creative act.

John Frusciante, former guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has established himself as an artist in his own right. Forgoing the band’s funk-punk roots, his solo work has drawn from avant-garde and, lately, electronica. His switch to the latter remains prominent on his 10th LP, “PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone.”

Slated to drop Sept. 12, “PBX” is Frusciante’s first foray into what he describes as “progressive synth pop.” On the album he sings, plays guitar and engineers a host of synthesizers, samplers and drum machines. The shift toward electronic instrumentation marks a distinct departure from his past guitar-driven style.

An experiment in instrumentation, “PBX” exhibits a contradictory and, at times, clashing production. Opting for tonal dissonance and rhythmic irregularity, Frusciante performs at his most erratic. Two tracks feature freestyles from Wu-Tang affiliate Kinetic 9. Their surprising collaboration testifies to Frusciante’s ever-evolving creative output, confusing as it may seem.

So if you’re looking for a sequel to 2009's “The Empyrean,” you won’t find it here. Absent of chorale arrangements and lush guitar solos, “PBX” is worlds apart from its predecessor. It’s also among Frusciante’s least accessible albums. Casual listeners are better off with “Curtains” or “Shadows Collide with People.” Even longtime fans may struggle to appreciate it, preferring his trademark sound circa 2004. Still, even if his new direction is questionable, Frusciante’s passion is evident. Which is exactly what Frusciante intended — I think.