Jane's Addiction is a band that just cannot stick together. Over the past decade they've broken up and re-grouped several times. But in 2004, what seems to be the final death knell sounded for the influential alternative rock band. But this splitting of band members has not brought about their retirement. In fact, three of four Jane's Addiction members, Dave Navarro, Stephan Perkins, and Chris Cheney formed a new band from the ashes of their troubled former band. The Panic Channel was born the same year that Jane's Addiction had broken up. Along with former Skycircle vocalist, Steve Isaacs, the band had originally just been planning on jamming a few nights. But out from these sessions came a new ambitious project, and all four of the participating members were satisfied with what they had created. Unfortunately, it would be a couple of years before the band translated this chemistry through a new album. But in August of 2006 The Panic Channel was set to release their first album, ONe. Despite receiving several poor reviews, The Panic Channel still has a solid showing with their debut album.
The music found on ONe isn't exactly new or groundbreaking. Rather, The Panic Channel seems content in releasing an album reminding listeners of the alternative music scene over the past decade. At times, such as during Teahouse of the Spirits or She Won't Last, the music is very guitar driven. The steady riffs of Navarro and Isaacs help construct a solid rhythm from which the band can deliver their mix of energy and catchiness. It is in these songs, specifically Teahouse of the Spirits, where I feel the band excels the most. As the musicianship is not the best you'll ever hear, the fun, listenable hooks and guitar riffs help keep the album interesting. The other type of track is of the softer, more vocally driven variety. And after dividing the album into guitar driven and vocal driven tracks, it can be grouped further. You see, while Steve Isaac has a great voice for alt rock, sometimes this does not save a song from descending into the ranks of utter boredom. While on one hand we have songs like Outsider and Bloody Mary, songs that make perfect use of Isaacs' singing, and are very worthwhile, there are several tracks which have no place on the record. Two prime examples in where this is the case is in the songs Listen and Blue Bruises are sleep inducing tracks which do not have the ability to draw the listener in. Despite the efforts of Steve, he just cannot carry a song such as that on his shoulders and the result is, well, pretty bad.
ONe has a few notable weaknesses. The first, and probably most irritating, goes hand in hand with the previous point. As the album goes on the material gets significantly weaker. By time the last track rolls around, The Panic Channel seems to be devoid of any interesting material left. The last part of the record is brought down by expandable filler tracks which do more harm than good to the CD. Lacklustre efforts like Lie Next to Me as well as Night One (From Planchette) do not showcase the band's talent at all. Especially the later, which is 8 minutes in length and really doesn't have any reason to be. Another weakness is the lack of variety to be found on the album. For the most part, the band sticks to the two already mentioned formulas, and while this isn't a terribly bad thing, it still gets fairly tiring after a few listens.
With all that said, The Panic Channel's debut is still a decent album. Although nothing remarkable, ONe does offer up some worthwhile tunes in Teahouse of the Spirirts, Bloody Mary, and Said You'd Be. The highlights of the album are by far the likes of Dave Navarro and Steve Isaacs who provide fitting guitar playing and solid, likeable vocal efforts. Fans of alternative rock should find this release very enjoyable, as it is an engaging album which contains many of the genres positive aspects. Upbeat and energetic, it makes for a good listen every once and awhile. If you're looking for something to buy, but can't decide what, then don't hesitate on picking this up. But if you're expecting something big and spectacular then you might be better off looking elsewhere.
Recommended Tracks:
Teahouse of the Spirits
Left to Lose
Outsider
Said You'd Be
