The Idiot King

The success of Attention Deficits debut recording shouldnt have been very surprising considering that this trio worked so well together on Michael Manrings 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.