Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

[UNC_Pete]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

I think the sound of the album has more to with the gap in time between the last and the current than the absence of Staley (especially when one considers Staley did not compose any material on the last album, just contributed lyrics). Fourteen years is a long time and no one is the same musician they were then as they are now. New ideas have come and gone and different influences show. At the same time though, this is still an Alice album and a great one at that.

I think most people will be surprised that Cantrell assumes most of the lead vocal duties and Staley's "replacement" only really sings lead on one song (Last of My Kind, which is a very good song, by the way). The album is mostly slow to mid tempo songs with thick guitars and lots of off-time pieces. To me, this sounds like a natural progression from the self-titled album released 14 years ago. There's maybe one or two songs that do not flow as well as some others (Take Her Out being the first that comes to mind) but there are some excellent tracks as well. Private Hell is an unmistakable AiC song and an instant classic while Acid Bubble is one of the group's finest moments. I'm also quite fond of the opener, All Secrets Known and one of the singles A Looking In View, which eased any concerns I may have had that this would not live up to the band's back catalog. The poignant closer, Black Gives Way to Blue is a nice way to end the record and a fitting tribute to Staley.

Ultimately, this is Alice in Chains in 2009 and this album proves the band has a lot left to give. Yes Layne is gone, but the trademark harmonized vocals are still present and the band's creative leader, Jerry Cantrell, is in fine form. Here's hoping for a US tour this Fall/Winter. Also of note, I picked up this CD for 9 bucks, can't beat that price for a new disc.

I agree with this pretty much. The songs are slower tempo but just as heavy. Acid bubble definitely takes me back. DuVall isn't the best replacement but you'd be hard-pressed to find one that can sing so beautifully and with the angst Layne did. Layne was the perfect grunge vocalist.

[savoie2006]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

I think DuVall is the "best" replacement, considering whom he is replacing. The great thing is, that he isn't trying to be another Layne and it works fine with the group.

[tacosaban]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

Grunge is making a comeback..............better than all that nu metal bullchit!

[savoie2006]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

Grunge is making a comeback..............better than all that nu metal bullchit!

I would be all for this if the same big groups could pull it off, but sadly, Nirvana could never be Nirvana without Cobain, even though Grohl is a better musician than Cobain ever was. It was Cobain's raw ugly style that made it "Grunge". Also, Soundgarden wouldn't be the same, as Cornell's voice is too far gone.

[boomhauertjs]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1tmbv9ePGQo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

New single out 1/8/2013; new album in the spring...

[DJ]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

I like the new single.

I need to go back and listen to the last album; it's been a while.

[UNC_Pete]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

I like the new single.

I need to go back and listen to the last album; it's been a while.

I like it as well. I told the wife if they tour I am going to see them again. They put on an awesome show last time they came around.

[55]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

Just got around to listening to the new single and it was quite good. I can't wait to hear the rest of the album since BGWTB was one of my favorite albums of the last decade.

[Brandon13]

"Hollow" has grown on me, but I'm sitting here listening to "Down in a Hole" from Unplugged and am once again amazed at just how incredibly good they were. (Almost) Zeppelin-ish with their range and consistency.

Even without Layne, I just feel fortunate to hear new Alice in Chains.

[55]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

New album drops in 30 minutes. I pre-ordered it on iTunes a while ago and am (im)patiently waiting...

EDIT- It's downloading!

[DJ]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

New album drops in 30 minutes. I pre-ordered it on iTunes a while ago and am (im)patiently waiting...

EDIT- It's downloading!

Thanks for the reminder!

[55]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

I'm a little over halfway through the album and it is VERY good thus far.

[Brandon13]

New album drops in 30 minutes. I pre-ordered it on iTunes a while ago and am (im)patiently waiting...

EDIT- It's downloading!

It's very good.

I pirated the leak but as soon as the central time zone moves into Tuesday I am downloading it legally.

[55]

Re: Alice in Chains (or Alice Without Layne) in the studio

As tempted as I was to d/l the leak, I was a good boy and waited. It was worth it!

Listening to Phantom Limb right now. Killer middle section and an awesome solo.

[Brandon13]

As tempted as I was to d/l the leak, I was a good boy and waited. It was worth it!

Listening to Phantom Limb right now. Killer middle section and an awesome solo.

It may be as complete an album as they've ever released. I think "Breath on a Window" is currently my favorite, but everything is just so good on this album.