Nature abhors a vacuum and this reporter is thrilled to write that the musical void has been not only filled but also reenergized with The PCP's Afterthought CD. Doubtless the hordes of kids who will be buying this will love the pointed drug reference that the name implies. However, the full name in the Queen's British is The Pat Cioffi Project.

But, I digress.

This record envelopes the listener with rich textural arrangements and masterly crafted songs. Afterthought reverberates with the classic elements of rock's younger days. Where a straight up fist-pumper like Driving can stand side by side with the funk infused instrumental Tunnel vision. Gentler acoustic tracks like Time Will Tell and What Happened, Anyway? Will have you humming for days. The title track and CD namesake is a heartfelt ode to partings.

Pat Cioffi recruited a team of heavy hitters for this solo effort. Patrick Carbone, and Scott Wilson provide the solid rhythmic backbone to Pat's instrumental multi-tasking. Orion Duckstein pops in with his axe for a few face-shredding leads. Steve Onopa from Pat's Splat days (yes, that "Splat") had a hand in mixing this masterpiece and makes a backing vox appearance with Ted Allen, Amy Dailey, Annika Cioffi, and others.

I'm am loathe to make comparisons but I will anyway. This record blends the best of The Stones, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Donavan, and Golden Earring. If you like the sound of that then you should add this gem to your collection.

On a related note I recently saw The PCP live in N.Y.C. and the club was crammed with screaming fans that were blown away by the talent onstage. The only thing better than recorded PCP is live PCP.

So get some...you addicts.

 -Justin Wright

  October 2003

  Tune Skene IV