Ataxia wrote and recorded songs for two weeks, and the material was separated into two albums: Automatic Writing (2004) and AW II (2007).

The songs all feature a ground-bass line with the guitar overlaying different motifs and long developments.

In March 2008, Lally described the band's writing process:[1] The songs would be initiated by me settling into a bass line.

The goal was just to see how quickly we could work music into place - I think it was a really interesting exercise for [Frusciante and Klinghoffer].

Josh Klinghoffer continued to work with Frusciante on his solo projects and as a touring musician with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.