 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Alice In Chains
Black Gives Way To Blue
(Virgin/EMI Records)
When prototypical Grunge pioneers Alice In Chains burst onto the scene with their ingenious 1990 debut Facelift, few could have accurately predicted the insurmountable tidal wave of success that would follow in its wake. Predating the Butch Vig-Produced Nirvana classic Nevermind by nearly thirteen months, the brooding, atmospheric opus (and thus it’s most notable singles “We Die Yong” and “Man In The Box”), would eventually prove highly influential in the establishment of both the Grunge and Alternative Rock genres. Unfortunately, the group would unceremoniously disappear from mainstream consciousness a mere half a decade later, leaving a disturbing array of unanswered questions amid their painfully brief legacy. Now, fourteen inexplicably long years later, the group has at long last returned to kick our ‘…collective asses…’ with Black Gives Way To Blue.
On the stellar Black Gives Way To Blue (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of Grunge-infused Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the second single “Check My Brain”, and the quasi-haunting “Last Of My Kind”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Undoubtedly concerned regarding the potential critical and commercial damages (let’s face it; aside from Pearl Jam, the purveyors of the Grunge genre haven’t exactly aged gracefully) suffered during the group’s understandably protracted hiatus, each key focal point is deftly accentuated with an oddly efficient enthusiasm. Boldly reinforcing the group’s sonic history without, believe it or not, sounding either ‘forced or dated’, the initial results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Continuing with the maddeningly infectious “Your Decision”, and the acoustic-tinged “When The Sun Rose Again”, the newly rejuvenated combination of ex-Comes With The Fall vocalist William DuVall (replacing deceased original frontman Layne Staley), guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez (Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne, to name only a few) and drummer Sean Kinney steamroll ahead with what can only be described as a truly sickening ease. Seething with a veritable bevy of presumably long-dormant emotions, the group subtlety addresses the difficulties of the past--most notably Staley’s entirely untimely 2002 heroin-related demise--via a frequently thunderous delivery without entirely abandoning the trademark tonality that initially propelled the Seattle, Washington-born foursome to the dizzying height(s) of international acclaim.
Easily the group’s most focused and concise effort since 1994’s multi-Platinum Jar Of Flies EP (a factor which, believe it or not, does not subtract from the overall ‘…enjoyability…’ of what is an otherwise engrossing performance), other standouts, including the delightfully hook-laden “Lessons Learned”, and the equally impressive lament “Private Hell”, offer a wealth of further evidence in support of the group’s improbable resurgence. Although one might successfully argue that the absence of the oft-enigmatic Staley is indeed immediately palpable, DuVall’s presence--or occasional lack thereof--is ultimately far less intrusive than previously imagined. Adding a much-welcomed warmth and depth to Cantrell’s already airtight compositions, the vocalist’s arguably underrated contributions will almost assuredly continue to hasten the group’s ideologies.
But is it really that freakin’ good? Absolutely! While quite obviously not on par with the group’s previous Staley-fueled efforts (i.e. anything prior to 1995’s well-intended yet less-than-stellar Alice In Chains), the majority--if not all--of the decidedly tuneful wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to leave both curious newcomers and die-hard completists alike only wanting for more. Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, Black Gives Way To Blue effectively represents what is, without a doubt, the finest post-‘90’s Grunge offering in recent memory. As a result, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a refreshingly relevant trip down memory lane that doesn’t involve publicly embracing a morbidly obese expanse of spandex-clad Velveeta, then this, my friends, might just be the ‘…nostalgic…’ cure for what ails you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Black Gives Way To Blue (2009) **
The Essential Alice In Chains (2006) *
Greatest Hits (2001) *
Live (2000) *
Music Bank: The Videos (DVD) (1999) *
Music Bank (Box Set) (1999) *
Unplugged (DVD) (1996) *
Unplugged (1996) *
The Nona Tapes (DVD) (1995) *
Alice In Chains (1995) *
Jar Of Flies (EP) (1994) *
Dirt (1992) *
Sap (EP) (1992) *
We Die Young (EP) (1992) *
Live Facelift (DVD) (1991) *
Facelift (1990) *
* features vocalist Layne Staley
** features vocalist William DuVall