John Frusciante's long-lost debut solo LP, on vinyl for the first time ever! Niandra LaDes was conceived and recorded while Frusciante was living with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in a haunted mansion (once occupied by Harry Houdini) for the recording of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante often spent his time between sessions alone in his room, painting, listening to music and recording long-form, stream-of-consciousness guitar & piano pieces on his four-track recorder. This material eventually made up the first half of Niandra, with the second half (the untitled tracks) being recorded during RHCP's subsequent tour in support of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. During this time, Frusciante became unhappy with the band's mainstream success, delving heavily into substance abuse, sabotaging the Chili Peppers' public appearances and channeling his modest avant-garde ambitions into these recordings. Listening to the tracks, you hear no trace of any connection to the band that gave us "Give It Away," save perhaps for the urgency and Frusciante's inimitable guitar playing. Originally released on CD in 1994 by American Recordings, a Def Jam subsidiary set up by Rick Rubin (who produced Blood Sugar Sex Magik), this cult classic is finally getting a full double vinyl release, beautifully packaged by Superior Viaduct in a deluxe gatefold with printed inner sleeves.

• first time on vinyl
• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1994
• music label: Superior Viaduct 2017

reviewed by frau farbissina 11/2017