Allan Holdsworth – Atavachron

Allan Holdsworth – Atavachron

Atavachron is a landmark album from pioneering British guitarist Allan Holdsworth, originally released in 1986 and widely regarded as one of the most distinctive recordings in his influential jazz fusion catalogue. Combining Holdsworth's extraordinary guitar technique with synthesizers, electronic textures and complex rhythmic arrangements, the album demonstrates why he became such an important figure in progressive and fusion guitar.

Holdsworth's revolutionary approach to the instrument is at the centre of the record. Rather than relying on conventional blues-rock phrasing, he developed an incredibly fluid, legato style that often resembled the sound of a synthesizer or saxophone. On Atavachron, this innovative approach is taken even further through his pioneering use of the SynthAxe, an electronic guitar controller that allowed him to explore entirely new sounds and textures.

The album opens with Non Brewed Condiment, followed by the intricate Funnels and The Dominant Plague, before reaching the atmospheric title track Atavachron. Looking Glass, Mr Berwell and All Our Yesterdays continue the album's adventurous mixture of sophisticated harmony, virtuosic guitar playing and electronic experimentation.

For fans of Allan Holdsworth, jazz fusion, progressive rock and innovative electric guitar, Atavachron is essential listening. It captures Holdsworth at one of the most experimental stages of his career and remains a fascinating example of how far the possibilities of the electric guitar could be pushed during the 1980s.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Non Brewed Condiment – 3:39
2. Funnels – 6:10
3. The Dominant Plague – 5:41

Side B

1. Atavachron – 4:45
2. Looking Glass – 4:31
3. Mr Berwell – 6:21
4. All Our Yesterdays – 5:25