Released 40 years ago
Atavachron
Allan Holdsworth · 1986
36 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A fusion of complex time signatures and ethereal melodies, showcasing virtuosic guitar work intertwined with intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Non-Brewed Condiment — This track opens the album with an intricate arrangement that highlights Holdsworth's signature guitar tone while setting the thematic stage for the rest of the record.
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Atavachron — The title track exemplifies the album's experimental spirit through its shifting dynamics and complex melodic lines, showcasing Holdsworth's mastery of harmony.
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All Our Yesterdays — This piece combines emotive phrasing with sophisticated chord progressions, illustrating Holdsworth's ability to weave narrative depth into instrumental music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate compositions and virtuosic performances create a distinctive listening experience within jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases extended guitar solos that often intertwine with synthesizer and keyboard arrangements, emphasizing a dialogue between instruments.
- The use of ambient soundscapes and layered melodies gives the record an ethereal quality, particularly in tracks like 'Looking Glass' and 'Atavachron'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- intricate arrangements for detail-oriented fans
- ethereal melodies for reflective moods
- virtuosic guitar showcases emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Atavachron marked Allan Holdsworth's fourth studio album, coming after his previous work, Metal Fatigue. By this time, Holdsworth had established himself as a leading figure in jazz fusion, blending progressive rock elements with innovative guitar techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Non-Brewed Condiment 3:41
- 2 Funnels 6:15
- 3 The Dominant Plague 5:45
- 4 Atavachron 4:45
- 5 Looking Glass 4:36
- 6 Mr. Berwell 6:25
- 7 All Our Yesterdays 5:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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