Rating: NN
Good on Eric Avery for getting out of Jane’s Addiction when he did. The former bassist and founding member who reluctantly rejoined only to re-quit soon after might have saved this mistake of an album had he stayed. Then again, maybe not Jane’s are barely a real band any more. They still tour, but when it comes to songwriting they email each other tracks rather than get into a room together, despite the fact that they all live in L.A.
Then there’s the bass issue, which isn’t going away. The remaining members haven’t successfully replaced Avery’s distinct sonic direction, which largely made this band what it is – or was. Duff McKagan joined briefly and co-wrote three of the new album’s tracks. TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek also contributes bass parts, though nothing of note creatively. Meanwhile, session man Chris Chaney is invisible.
A few times they get it right, like on Irresistible Force and Broken People. Sadly, Jane’s Addiction lost the fire ages ago and are now sleepwalking through the ashes.
Top track: Broken People
