The Jet that everyone knows and loves has tucked away their powerful pop-explosion of guitars and drums in exchange for tamer noise. Their sophomore slump bulges on their new album "Shine On."
Many groups have the tendency to produce a great first album, followed by a collection of tunes that barely get the job done. Unfortunately, this transgression often results in the band's fading out until they politely exit the scene for good. Hopefully Jet can redeem itself as a band with a quick follow-up to "Shine On" before fans get bored.
The new release mimics Jet's first album, "Get Born." Both rock out under the heavy influence of bands like The Rolling Stones, Bachman Turner Overdrive and of course The Beatles.
Jet pulls even heavier from the Beatles this time around. The first track, "L'espirit D'escalier," is about 30 seconds long and opens up with vocal melodies and harmonies that could be directly taken from "Abbey Road."
The fourth track, "Bring It On Back," is another direct imitation of Beatlemania. It's comparable to the Jet's "Look What You've Done," with symphonic melodies and raining drumbeats.
Seeing as to how Jet has been touring with Oasis for the past year, this transition comes with little surprise. Moreover, Jet has been nursing off the production services of Dave Sardy who is Oasis' producer from "Don't Believe the Truth."
"Come On Come On" could easily be an Oasis song. The intro to the song has a psychedelic sense, while Nic Cester even seems to try to sing like Liam Gallagher.
"Shine On" doesn't really get moving with any of the familiar guitar explosions or quirky drum beats until about half way through the album.
Their latest album may not have the fast paced rock 'n roll that "Get Born" delivers, but it isn't a terrible disc.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm, the songs are still well written and can be enjoyable to listen to. While Jet fans may be pleased with "Shine On," the general listener will get bored fast. The album just doesn't have the hooks that will leave listeners humming all day.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
