Jane's Addiction: Strays

By RUSSELL BAILLIE

(Herald rating: * * *)

"Here we go" are the first words out of Perry Farrell's mouth on the opening track.

The famously reedy-voiced singer doesn't feel the need to add the word "again" to his trademark phrase, despite this being his influential Californian art-metal band's reunion album and their first studio effort since 1990.

The reassembly is only a three-out-of-four for the original line-up with bassist Eric Avery otherwise occupied. But there is still a discernible sense of celebration and recharged batteries throughout the 11 tracks.

Then again, the output of Farrell and drummer Stephen Perkins in in-between outfit Porno of Pyros or guitarist Dave Navarro's stint in the Red Hot Chili Peppers or his solo albums were never really troubled with a sense of purpose.

So yes, Strays sure does sound like a Jane's Addiction album. One that reminds that they were and are a hard-rock rarity - a band that delivered grandiose, intense, often funk-laden epics and managed to sound infectiously happy in their work.

However, if this sounds like Farrell's face sports a very big and goofy smile throughout, and that their spirit is intact and revived, it also lacks a few things - like songs which grab hold with something other than their characteristic grand swagger.

There are some that come mighty close. Like the title track and the single Because (even if both have hints of U2 in juggernaut mode), the glam-strut of Superhero, and the Chili Pepperish funk-rock workouts of Wrong Girl and Suffer Some.

And if they've always had Led Zeppelin-of-their-generation comparisons, they earn themselves another one or two here, especially on the closing track To Match The Sun.

Yes, Strays is big and mostly clever but it doesn't quite score in the truly memorable song department.

Which, given the number of classic tracks from JA's Nothing's Shocking and Ritual De Lo Habitual albums makes this a comeback album of abundant energy but a little light on true inspiration.

Label: Capitol