Alex Skolnick – Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Michael Manring - Four, Six and Ten-String Basses, Loops
Tim Alexander – Drums and Percussion

Attention Deficit is composed of three members. Alex Skolnick contributes the electric and acoustic guitars. You probably recognize Skolnick from his long tenure in Testament. He also briefly spent some time in Savatage. Lately, he's been kept busy expanding his sound to embrace jazz and fusion. Drums and percussion are the realm of Tim Alexander, who spent eight years behind the kit for Primus. Bass guitar and loops are handled by Michael Manring, a session god for talented jazz musicians.

If you're anything like me, your first impression upon reading that was likely, "Huh?" How in the world does a metal/blues/jazz guitarist meld with a jazz bassist and an eight-armed drummer? Well, it's different. It's really different. Attention Deficit is the perfect title for this group, because I suspect it takes a long time for listeners to really get into this album. But believe me, the effort is well worth it, as Attention Deficit is one of the most engaging and rewarding all-instrumental pieces I've ever heard.

Attention Deficit is an excellent choice for when you just want some music on, but don't have anything particular in mind. Or, if you just want to relax, but want something intricate and satisfying, then Attention Deficit fits the bill perfectly. This disc is wonderful for when you're sitting at work and you want something in the background to help the day go by. I don't mean to do this disc a disservice by saying that either. Even a non-musician such as myself can appreciate the incredible performances on this album. It's a non-stop freeform jam the entire way. Skolnick's guitar is alternately blistering and bouncy, whereas the rhythm session is creative and remarkable.

My favorite tracks are "An Exchange Of Niceties" with its Satriani-esque lead, and the incredibly catchy "It's Over, Johnny." The spacy, twelve-minute "Fly Pelican, Fly" is another standout, as is the rocking follow-up track, "Febrile." Actually, there really isn't a boring moment on this disc.

The bio compares them to the more eclectic offerings from Frank Zappa and King Crimson. I will say that if you can appreciate progressive-rock or jazz metal or whatever you want to call it, then you'll find Attention Deficit rather pleasing. It isn't for the impatient, but it does get better with every listen. Few groups can really boast of that.