Jaded Sun CD review

Jaded Sun

Whiskey Drinker

Angela Macari O’Looney

The long awaited follow up to Jaded Sun’s Gypsy Trip, one of the most exhilarating rock albums of the decade from an Irish band, is finally finished and bears the band’s unique trademark of gritty rock vocals, elaborate guitar solos, upbeat numbers that are foot stomping and soulful rock ballads where you hang on to each word, riffs flowing like thick black treacle through the wonderful melody lines.

Formed in 2002, this highly successful five piece band have gone from strength to strength and continue to build up a large and faithful fan base. Their debut E.P. Raw was released in 2004 and went on to become the most downloaded song on Ireland’s download charts. This was followed by Falling on the Fears in 2005, which was co produced by top producers Chris O’Brien who worked with names such as Aslan, Adam Clayton and Hothouse Flowers, and Rock music producer Graham Murphy.

After a U.K. tour which included sold out shows in London and several festivals, the band appeared playing support to top bands Nickelback and Bon Jovi in Croke Park; a brilliant achievement indeed.

Gypsy Trip, recorded in Los Angeles and mastered in Ireland, was their debut album released in 2008 through Sian Records. Whiskey Drinker launched in October 2010, is like the perfect chaser after three delicious pints. And it hits the spot!

The title track Whiskey drinker is upbeat, with amazing fast rolling lead guitar, a busy baseline a la Damien Kelly and John Maher’s vocals commanding as he sings out the smart ass lyrics with passion. It’s a great introduction track with so much going on in it. Honky tonk style piano notes, distortion packed chords with enough chops and changes for middle eight, and then you are treated to one totally ball breaking lead solo. With two of Ireland’s Gods of guitar, Eorann Stafford and Sean Gosker giving it there all, in a track that whets your apatite for the ride, Jaded Sun leave no stone unturned.

Sweet Mary opens up with guitars doing echoic style lead, building up to a big distortion laden riff that has that special Jaded stamp on it. Thumping drums, paradiddles and rolls come from the new and gorgeous drummer of the troupe Aaron Madden. The no nonsense twin guitar riff between verses is for me a key feature, as is the wonderful key changing climb for the chorus. This is dramatic and very effective, as John seduces the listener with delicious lyrics; Took her home to my place I dimmed the lights and I played the blues. Soon as I got the chance then I relieved her of her clothes. Chords are sublime, lead throughout is superb, but in particular the shared guitar break which is short and sweet gets me. Backing vocals in splashes lend atmosphere too.
The next number Fire begins with a resounding intro that’s done with some really powerful feedback from the guitars.
Then surprisingly John comes in with a softly sung acoustic verse. Lyrics are brilliantly descriptive and things gradually build up to an anthemic style throbbing rock chorus. Melody line is really memorable, guitars let loose with Sean playing a scorching solo using flanger. Riffs and hooks are outstanding in this compelling piece that simply has it all!

With a delicious intro Breakdown Easy is for me one of Jaded Sun’s best ever songs!

The use of piano and acoustic guitar on this track helps the mood and lends emotion. John’s performance is spectacular and he totally captivates with vulnerability so unexpected, as he pours out the beautiful lyrics.
Harmony is lovely in the chorus, with a key change for the sung middle eight adding interest. Also the ascending chord combination is wonderfully appealing.
Lead solo is elaborate and heartbreakingly sweet, going up to screaming high notes from delicious bass notes. Magical instrumentals seem to flow freely throughout this first class song, which finishes with piano notes creating a crying effect.

A remixed version of a favourite slower Jaded Sun song Crave, takes this perfect journey to its conclusion. It begins with just John and a Gospel choir taking you to the first chorus, when guitars and rhythm gradually join in.

With a winning melody line, it’s a love song that is definitely a classic from this band. The addition of piano makes a difference for sure, along with the backing singers who perform gospel style harmony throughout. Big bashing chords for the middle eight lead you up to a gorgeous lead solo. If it’s possible to improve on a Jaded Sun number, there are a few nice tweaks and twists included here.
John’s vocal range is also demonstrated to great advantage as he carries you with him through each romantic line.

The album art is appropriately a bartop with a half drunk glass of golden whiskey and beside it another one lined up. Inside the cover, the lads thank all of the people who made their new E.P. happen.

It takes a lot of staying power for bands to survive at a time like this and I’m not at all surprised that this collection of songs raises the bar (excuse the pun), proving that Jaded Sun can continue composing and performing such powerful music and not only this, but improving and enhancing it to keep it alive and kicking.