The 3 Stars – September 21, 2024

So, this is a day late. It’s been busy on this side, and the odds are that it’s not going to be any different until Thanksgiving. I will be efforting to keep up with everything with this being the busy season. Plus, I’m dealing with some lingering brain fog. So, there is that.

The Number 3 Star: Jane’s Addiction – True Love

There’s so much to unpack here. Firstly, this is the second single attached to Jane’s Addiction’s reunion tour. The first, “Imminent Redemption,” did absolutely nothing for me, and considering it was the first song from the band in 11 years, it was massively disappointing.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incident, although I don’t really want to. I’m just glad Vegas sportsbooks didn’t have “Band most likely to get into a fistfight on stage and cancel their reunion tour,” because I would have put all my money on Oasis.

This has not been a banner year for Jane’s Addiction.

However, “True Love” has a different feel. It shows a bit of maturity and a side of the band I hadn’t expected. Don’t misunderstand me; this doesn’t have half the gravitas that “Mountain Song,” “Jane Says,” or “Been Caught Stealing,” but it is a breath of fresh air, and it resists the urge to be a watered-down clone of a song from the glory days. Definitely worth a spin.

The Number 2 Star: Company Culture – Lambrini Girls

Lambrini Girls are undoubtedly my favorite band I’ve heard for the first time this year. Following the massive single “Body of Mine,” this Brighton duo gives us their views on…well, company culture. Think of it as the punk take on “9 to 5.” It delves into male co-workes condescending to women, sexual harassment, and how a lot of women don’t feel supported by HR.

Incidentally, “Michale, I don’t want to suck you off on my lunch break” is the best lyric penned in the last couple of decades.

The Number 1 Star: Rusty Cutter – Wax Head

Wax Head is a drummer-led punk quartet out of Manchester. Less than a year after their released their debut EP Salt Fat Acid Heat, they come roaring back with their tribute to garage rock.