Melbourne, Australian natives alternative rock band Jet puts forth their sophomore effort, “Shine On,” on Atlantic records that absolutely soars. Following the footsteps of brothers Jon & Tim Foreman (Switchfoot), Bo & Bear Rinehart, (NEEDTOBREATHE), and Liam & Noel Gallagher (Oasis) Nic & Chris Cester (Jet) takes off offering a virtual conceptual album. There is something about siblings in creating an exceptional CD. It must be the intuitive nature of these talented musicians.
Jet, the namesake of a Paul McCartney song, are heavily influenced by the Beatles, Rolling Stones (whom which they have toured extensively with) and Oasis.
Jet is comprised of Nic Cester, guitars vocals, Chris Cester, drums, vocals, Mark Wilson, bass guitar, and Cameron Muncey, guitars, vocals.
Jet’s debut CD “Get Born” released in 2003, a worldwide smash, it sold over 3.5 million copies and earned the band a mantle of awards (including Best Rock video at the 2003 MTV Awards). After two and a half years on the road touring in support of “Get Born” the band had to think about what kind of album they wanted to make next. During their never-ending world tour, Nic and Chris had to come to terms with the death of their father. Through this new album the brothers realized that only through music would they fully exorcised their demons. Jet set out to get back to their roots of rock ‘n roll that obsessed them…Delta Blues, British hard-rock and swampy surrealism of Captain Beefheart. Returning to work with producer Dave Sardy, the man behind the helm for “Get Born,” the band got down to business.
Ultimately, the band’s tribulations became the album’s inspiration. “Shine On” (the title is a tribute to their departed dad), is a dazzling departure for Jet. For the band’s long-standing fans, the 15-track album is still loaded with lots of swigging and swaggering rock ‘n roll.
The albums jumps starts with “L’esprit D’escalier (“Spirit of the Stairwell” in French) a 20-second intro that echoes the chorus of the album’s last track “All You Have to Do”.
From Curtis Mayfield-infused shuffle of the first single, “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” to the Grand Funk Railroad influenced roar of “Stand Up” via the punk rock boogies of “That’s All Lies” and the Everly Brothers inspired harmonies of “Eleanor” it’s Jet showing both their range and, once again proving that, if you dig deep enough, triumph can overcome adversity.
“Put Your Money Where Your Mouths Is,” deals with the idea of sticking up for what you believe in. The band uses falsetto in this energetic song. This is a strong first single with a nice guitar riff.
“Bring It On Back,” has harmonies that are reminiscent of Oasis’s first record. The band incorporates a nice string section. “Just because your eyes are open doesn’t mean that you can see” so the lyrics say.
“That’s All Lies,” begins with some feedback and swagger of the Stones. This is a stadium ready cut.
“Hey Kids,” talks about not really ever making a difference in the world. The use of the organ is very effective. It has the Who types of choruses.
“Shine On,” offers the idea that no matter what happens, the hard times and the good times I will always be there for you. “I will always be your light,” is homage to the Cester’s departed father.
“Stand Up,” deals with the idea of being invincible. The tune grooves and has a hooky chorus. You feel like you want to shout out loud. “There’s nothing holding you down.”
Jet’s music, which infuses songs like the Beatles, Stones, and Oasis, has the quality of familiarity as if the songs were standards. There is something about the simplicity of their music that is very engaging and appealing. Through adversity the band was able to come out on top and put forth a riveting performance. Get on board with Jet, while their first album was “written for pubs,” says Chris “This one is written for stadiums!” Check them out at www.jettheband.com or www.myspace.com/jet.
