Atavachron is the fourth studio album by guitarist Allan Holdsworth, released in 1986 through Enigma Records (United States) and JMS–Cream Records (Europe).[1] It features Holdsworth's first recorded use of the SynthAxe, an instrument which would be featured prominently on his future albums.[1] The album's title and seventh track, as well as the cover art, are references to the Atavachron alien time travel device from the Star Trek episode "All Our Yesterdays". "Funnels" refers to the three funnels of the RMS Queen Mary.[2]

Atavachron
Studio album by
Released1986 (1986)
StudioFront Page Recorders, Costa Mesa, California
GenreJazz fusion
Length36:52
LabelEnigma
ProducerAllan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth chronology
Metal Fatigue
(1985)
Atavachron
(1986)
Sand
(1987)

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [1]

John W. Patterson of AllMusic awarded Atavachron four stars out of five, describing it as "semi-progressive" with a "symphonic element" and praising it as "clear evidence of the genius Holdsworth was demonstrating release after release". He also highlighted the use of the SynthAxe, as well as praising the "beautiful female vocals" of Rowanne Mark, who makes her first of two appearances on a Holdsworth album; the other being Secrets (1989).[1]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Allan Holdsworth, except where noted

No.TitleLength
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"6:24
7."All Our Yesterdays" (lyrics: Rowanne Mark)5:26
Total length:36:52

Personnel

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Technical

  • Robert Feist – engineering, mixing
  • Dan Humann – engineering, mixing
  • Bernie Grundmanmastering
  • Francois Bardol – cover art

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Patterson, John W. "Atavachron - Allan Holdsworth". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  2. ^ Holdsworth, Allan (1992). "The Things You See". REH Video: Allan Holdsworth. CPP Media Group. Event occurs at time 03:11–03:15.
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  • Atavachron at therealallanholdsworth.com (archived)