A jolt of real rockJet - Shine On(Atlantic) 3 1/2 stars (out of 5 stars) Reviewed: Jan. 8, 2007 |
|
|
Review by Andy Argyrakis When Jet ignited its good old fashioned rock n' roll engines in 2003 with Get Born, its surged with three and a half million album sales, the unforgettable single "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and a whirlwind of touring (including club dates, Oasis and Rolling Stones support slots, plus larger headlining shows). From then until now, the group's been refining its arsenal of bombastic sounds and grimy licks, channeling a slew of ballsy beats and gritty insurgence into the highly anticipated Shine On. And like its predecessor, the disc is drenched with nods to the 1960s and 70s mixed with modern alternative gusto.The disc's first full-length track "Holiday" unloads with a Beatles-esque psychedelic trip down memory lane, recalling the legends' late 60s era in all its explosive jubilance. The tambourine-infused "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" sounds reminiscent of the T. Rex, while "Rip It Up" could very well be a fictitious experiment blending the best of Led Zeppelin with AC/DC. While all of these tracks reference other artists, Jet has thankfully forged a bit more of an individual identity that wasn't as evident the first time out, which again is a testament to members' continuous time on tour. "That's All Lies" also sounds similar to their pedigree thus far, but spreads its wings to incorporate additional attitude and testosterone-driven distortion. In fact those rockers are so scorching throughout Shine On that anything on the softer side seems like it might get lost in the shuffle. Though there's nothing poorly written or performed come mid-tempo tunes "Bring It On Back" and the title track, they appear dull when placed against the aforementioned. Out of all the somewhat toned down selections, the sunny "All You Have To Do" is perhaps the most appealing given its nod to John Lennon's early solo experiments, but carried by the slightly more forceful gruff of front man Nic Cester. Even at its most subdued Jet has rocketed past the fear of a sophomore slump and remains on course to reinsert real rock into the watered down mainstream. |