Alice In Chains

Jar Of Flies

Change Isn't Always Bad

Review Score:

(10/10)
As I said, change is not always bad. Alice In Chains' EP "Jar Of Flies" proves that statement. A step forward for the band, Jar Of Flies steps back from the harder edge of their first two albums and focuses on the other strengths the band beholds.

On this EP, Alice In Chains takes a swing at acoustics and the results could not be any better. Layne Staley presides over main vocals and sings not with the angst of Dirt or Facelift, but with a softer tone and a bit of a whine. Harmonizing on vocals and providing incredible guitarwork is Jerry Cantrell. Basically the main character within the band (writing lyrics, doing backing and lead vocals and playing guitar), Cantrell shines on this album because the sound is stripped down and the actual beauty of his work can be heard. Mike Inez lends his ability on the album and provides some inspiring bass lines, with the opening to "Rotten Apple" coming to mind first. Sean Kinney provides some nice drumming that work well with each song and keep each song tight and focused.

The album begins with Rotten Apple, which begins with a killer bass line and evolves into an acoustic masterpiece. Nutshell is much like Rotten Apple but with a less gloomy sound. A very nice song which is done extremely well on their Unplugged album. I Stay Away comes next. This song is a bit different from the bunch because of the addition of strings, which add a different dimension to the song. No Excuses follows, which is a great song. Begins with some nice drumming and and follows up with some cool vocals and lyrics. Whale And Wasp is Jerry Cantrell's solo portion of the album. With different wailing effects fading in and out through the song, Cantrell plays a simple but beautiful guitar piece. Much like Randy Rhoad's "Dee" but with overbearing wailing sounds interfering. Don't Follow is a quiet song with Cantrell on vocals. A very nice little number. The last track, Swing On This, is a bluesy type song with a demented sounding chorus.

Alice In Chains has never had a bad album, nor have they had an album that was lesser than another. Each of their albums, acoustic or electric, reaches a level of excellence that not many other bands can do. In my opinion, they are the best of the bands that came out during the rise of Grunge. This album is for newer and older Alice In Chains fans alike but the traditional Chains sound can be found on Dirt, Facelift or their self titled album. Anyone who enjoys their harder albums should defintely appreciate this album for what its worth.

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