Jane’s Addiction | The Great Escape Artist
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer —
With production so audaciously phantasmagoric, it is easy at first to overlook not only the intricate songwriting of this release, but even some of its best melodies, such as on standouts “Irresistible Force” and “Twisted Tales”. But give this record a couple more spins, get over the initial awe of its otherworldly, ornate soundscape, and the songs themselves will start to transpire from underneath the layered studio glow.
It is true that on this release the chops and the songwriting are deliberately merging with the sound tech trickery to create an absorbingly convincing universe. But no amount of emphasis on the vibes and sonic chimeras could in the end disguise the fact that A-grade musicianship (although never flashy) and compositional dexterity are exactly what’s making this release so great.
The stratosphere-bound vocals, the laconic, finely wrought guitar leads and the effect-laden atmospherics are all geared toward a precisely calculated result serving the overall whole. But it’s the band’s shrewd understanding of what works in rock music which underpins this album, keeping it grounded in earnest, mindful craftsmanship, no matter how phantasmal the proceedings at times become.
Self-confidently poised while upholding the vintage psychedelic tradition, here Jane’s Addiction prove that despite the assaults by punk, grunge and other opponents of imagination running wild, psychedelia is still alive, and the sense of wonder hasn’t gone out of it. The early touchstones such as “Their Satanic Majesty’s Request”, “Saucerful of Secrets” and “Surrealistic Pillow” still inspire those who look for more in rock than accompaniment to their hormonal ups and downs, adrenaline rushes, or carping descriptions of everyday realities.
Band:
Perry Farrell – vocals
Dave Navarro – lead and rhythm guitar, keyboard (1,3, 5-10)
Chris Chaney – bass
Dave Sitek – bass (1-6, 8-10), keyboards (1,3, 5, 6-9), programming (1,3, 5-10), additional rhythm guitar (2-4, 6, 8, 9)
Additional musicians:
Master Musicians of Jonjouka – rhaita and additional percussion (2)
John Hill – additional keyboards (4-6)
Jamie Muhoberac – additional keyboards (8)
Track Listing:
1. Underground
2. End to the Lies
3. Curiosity Kills
4. Irresistible Force
5. I’ll Hit You Back
6. Twisted Tales
7. Ultimate Reason
8. Splash a Little Water on It
9. Broken People
10. Words Right out of My Mouth
Label: Parlophone
Online: www.janesaddiction.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10