I don’t love Jane’s Addiction. One reason for that is that I had just heard way too much about how great they were before I ever heard more than a couple of songs. The other reason is Farrell’s voice, I don’t love it.
I get that there are differences between Porno for Pyros and Jane’s Addiction but for a non-fan for me, those differences feel a bit like splitting hairs. Because though it’s clear this is a different band – a less classic rock-inclined guitarist, for example – it sounds way too similar for me. It almost feels like Jane’s Addiction 2. I get that this is a funkier band; maybe it’s even a more musically interesting band. But Farrell’s voice is so distinct, the music is similar enough, that it’s hard not to constantly make the comparison in my mind.
Aside from the hit single (“Pets”), I’m not sure any of the melodies are really strong enough for me. And though I sometimes like Farrell’s lyrics, and at least find his approach relatively unique in the alternative rock spectrum, sometimes they are kind of cringey. (Check out those song titles, and you’ll get an idea.)
All that being said, the musicianship is good and they very much have their sound down (no mistaking this for a band not related to Jane’s Addiction). So I certainly cannot claim that it’s not good. I think it’s just not for me.
6/10
All tracks written by Porno for Pyros (Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, Peter DiStefano and Martyn LeNoble).
- “Sadness” 2:33
- “Porno for Pyros” 3:06
- “Meija” 3:13
- “Cursed Female” 3:24
- “Cursed Male” 3:50
- “Pets” 3:36
- “Bad Shit” 2:58
- “Packin’ .25” 4:08
- “Black Girlfriend” 4:33
- “Blood Rag” 3:29
- “Orgasm” 4:27
- Peter DiStefano – guitars
- Perry Farrell – vocals
- Martyn LeNoble – bass guitars
- Stephen Perkins – drums, percussion
Additional musicians
- Skatemaster Tate – sound additives
Matt Hyde – sound additives
Recording personnel
- Matt Hyde – Production, recording engineer, mixing
- Perry Farrell – Production
- Rob Seifert – Recording engineer
- Damien Wagner – Assistant recording engineer
- Chris Belman – Mastering