Jane’s Addiction “Strays” Capitol
They may not have produced a studio album in 10 years, but Jane’s Addiction’s new album “Strays” proves the band hasn’t lost its touch. Opening their first track with a shout of “here we go,” Jane’s Addiction blasts into an energetic display of power chord rock that sets the stage for the guys to show off just what it is they’ve been practicing over the past decade.
The band can roll in and out of tempos and styles with such ease that they can’t help but flaunt their skills; they completely change directions in songs throughout the album. Many songs shift between loud, enthusiastic displays loaded with electric guitar solos to more experimental and lyrical sections in which the band members toy with new sounds and rhythms on everything from sirens to a mandolin.
Three of the album’s songs even hit the five-minute mark, proving the band isn’t afraid to delve into their music and actually develop their ideas. Their songs often seem reminiscent of that ’80s and early ’90s rock sound that made them famous. Jane’s Addiction isn’t about to cash in and conform to the perfect three-minute song consistent with most pop music.
Yet hidden within the complex instrumental lines are surprisingly uncomplicated lyrics that express an enthusiastic optimism and analyze broad themes. In “The Riches,” vocalist Perry Farrell tells his listeners about the pleasure of enjoying the simple things in life: “I’m happy that the sky is blue and that the earth is green/ and that there’s lots of fresh clean air sandwiched in between.”
And the band can boast that there isn’t a weak member, giving even the bass player ample time to strut his stuff in solo lines.
If you don’t happen to be an enthusiastic devotee of hard rock, the last 30 seconds or so of a few of the tracks may sound more like a never-ending garage jam session that leaves you reaching for some Motrin. But as Jane’s Addiction makes its transition into new tempos with such ease, it would be foolish to reprimand them for not neatly structuring their songs.
The fact that they keep on doing their own thing and make it impossible to guess where each song will end up shows that Jane’s Addiction isn’t finished: They might just be around for another decade.
-By Jessica Rodgers