Schizophonic (Nuno Bettencourt album)

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Schizophonic is an album by ex-Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, credited on the cover as simply "Nuno". Released in 1997, it was his first solo effort after the group disbanded. In face of the then-current musical trends Nuno added an alternative rock edge to his style, somewhat belatedly. Still, the album did not make commercial impact, failing to impress the alternative rock audiences and to strike a note with his fans from his Extreme days. The record was recorded over a stretch of time during Extreme's tour for their last studio album, "Waiting for the Punchline," with Bettencourt recording well into the early hours of the morning at whatever studio he could book himself into. Indeed, the eccentric 'after midnight' approach taken often necessitated that he record himself with simple, now-antiquated 4-track cassette machines in hotel rooms, lending to the album's sometimes low-fi sonic quality.

Regardless, the album stands as a high point of Bettencourt's creativity amongst his fans, featuring songwriting styles far removed from his near-exclusive tenure as Extreme's composer.

Nuno wrote all tracks and played all instruments in the album, except for "You", on which vocals are shared with co-author and former bandmate Gary Cherone. His later solo efforts were all released under a band moniker of one form or another; first as Mourning Widows, then as Population 1, even though the genesis of these efforts resemble more solo projects than proper bands.

The album cover for 'Schizophonic' caused a bit of a stir upon release, featuring Nuno dressed as a woman.