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Jadis returns with PHOTOPLAY, the first studio album
since 2003's FANATIC, and just in time. Jadis' music I find
is great warm weather music. Unlike some of the autumnal,
dark and grandiose material of many Neo acts, Jadis have a
more laid-back feel while intense at the same time. 'Summery'
and evocative, Jadis are a rare combo of passion and technical
brilliance, which borders on a type of AOR/neo hybrid. Nobody
sounds like them, and are a refreshing diversion from the
mellotron-obsessed 70's throwbacks. They are dreamy and rocking
at the same time.***
Jadis are led by guitarist/vocalist Gary Chandler, who
also writes most of the music. It's his baby. His voice is
both laid-back and soulful and rock-edged in one swoop. Perhaps
more of a singer-songwriter style instead of the 'lead singer'
type, but within the confines of a four-man rock combo. It
is this aspect that sets him a bit apart. Second in command
is drummer Steve Christey, who also plays with John Wetton
often. Neo's answer to Tony Levin is bassist John Jowitt(IQ),
who is professional, funky and rock solid.***
Then there is Martin Orford, one of IQ's guiding lights,
and one of my favorite keyboardists who handles all styles,
from vintage art rock key sounds to more modern synthesizers
and sequencers. Sad to say that this is Martin's last record
with Jadis, as he has recently left the band. This is not
entirely a suprise, as Jadis is primarily Gary's vehicle and
thus more guitar and song based, geared to chandler's own
vision. Keyboards are very present, but serve as a sort of
shimmering light to illuminate the way for Gary's soaring
leads. Martin's role is often to color the music, and naturally
most of the lion's share of the solos go to Gary.***
As for the direction of this new album, it somewhat continues
in the more accessable and song-based format of FANATIC, though
with more developed and stronger material. Think of it as
the deluxe edition of FANATIC almost. Though with PHOTOPLAY,
there is also a bit of a more 'organic' vibe, where organ
and funkier guitars come into play. Also note that Chandler's
voice is even more expressive here, and steps a little beyond
the singer-songwriter style he is known for. By now we know
what to hear on a Jadis record, though it always hits the
spot.
Here's the songs:
THERE'S A LIGHT: strong opener which is at once classic
Jadis and a more accessable beast in its own right. Good hooks,
good driving guitar and atmosphere. If there was a neo presence
on the singles chart, this could represent that. Like much
of the new album, this track is more focused, with more of
a song-based format than some previous Jadis material. Gary
sounds more driven and rejuvinated, and dares you not to rock
out to this one.***
WHAT GOES ON: starts as traditional Jadis slab of modern
rock riffery and expressive piano before going into a middle
section which owes more to Beatles or Coldplay than anything
Neo, with some uncharactaristic vocal effects before moving
into some heavier sections.***
ASLEEP IN MY HANDS: rocking track with nice groove and
a spiritual connection to, say, RUSH, maybe. Also notable
is Martin Orford's stellar organ solo which speaks volumes
for the guy's talent as one of the best British keyboard players
alive today. Even within the more flexible confines of his
band IQ, Orford hasn't taken off with so much enthusiasm in
an organ solo. Maybe you're used to hearing him do a moog-type
solo instead of organ. Sadly, Martin doesn't get to do it
more often on this record.***
STANDING STILL: modern drum loop beats thump under a
shimmering keyboard base for this more soulful cut, before
a more traditional and strong Chandler lead takes over. Nice
spacey synth at the end.***
I HEAR YOUR VOICE: synth bass and drums fade up and the
next rocker is underway. Great nimble basswork from Jowitt,
who I assume will stay with Jadis as long as time allows.
Nice anthemic chorus.***
MAKE ME MOVE: song with different textured parts, and
the rhythm guitar is classic Jadis circa UNDERSTAND or FANATIC.***
WHO I AM: another anthemic chorused track, and probably
on the live setlist.***
NEED TO BREATHE: acoustic starts this track with sparkly
synths before crunchy guitar cuts in and Jadis' more heavy
rock tendencies come out.***
PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES: this one has a bit more sameness
as some of the other material, though as always, Chandler's
guitar playing never wears out too much.***
ALL YOU'VE EVER KNOWN: acoustic and voice with low-key
keys are textural and atmospheric. The chorus reminds me of
KINO's album. That's a good thing. Christey's drumming is
a bit more involved as well while not overplaying it. Goes
through a trademark rock section of course. This is a nice
tune.***
PHOTOPLAY: as with most Jadis albums, there's an instrumental.
This one is a somewhat Pink Floyd-styled instrumental which
closes the album with a soulful guitar solo over some atmospheric
synths from Orford which recall Geoff Downes a little.***
Gary and his pals continue to make good rock music which
is instrumentally rocking and emotionally soaring, so the
more things change, the more they stay the same. Martin Orford's
contribution will be missed on future albums, but he had left
before(for 1997's SOMMERSAULT) without the band skipping a
beat at all, so there's no doubt that Jadis will thrive still.
PHOTOPLAY is a welcome addition to the JADIS catalogue, but
also decent place for new fans to come in as well. This is
a great disc for the highway too, so go ahead and take out
a loan to fill up your gas tank and go cruising with the new
Jadis record.***
8 and 1/2 out of 10.
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