By Susie Salva
Melbourne, Australian natives alternative rock band Jet puts forth their sophomore effort, “Shine On,” on Atlantic records that absolutely soars. Following in 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 their intuitive nature that breeds 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. After two and a half years on the road touring in support of “Get Born” released in 2003, 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.
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.
The title track “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.
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.
