The success of
Attention Deficit's debut recording shouldn't have been very surprising considering that this trio worked so well together on
Michael Manring's excellent Thonk.
Manring, guitarist
Alex Skolnick, and drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander have managed to create an original and instantly recognizable sound. The set is fine balance of introspective pieces, funky jams, and high-octane numbers such as "My Fellow Astronauts" and "Nightmare on 48th Street." While
Skolnick has managed to completely reinvent himself on the guitar, both
Manring and Alexander continue to push their skills into unexplored areas.
Manring, a former student of
Jaco Pastorius, has rightfully taken his place as the premier voice on the bass with a style unto himself. The influence of
Frank Zappa is prevalent throughout and is ultimately what makes this band work so well, namely, incredible musicianship sprinkled with just the right amount of absurdity and humor. ~ Robert Taylor