Search - Jimmy Chamberlin Complex :: Life Begins Again

"Life" begins again

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 02/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jimmy Chamberlin spent years as one of the shadowy, talented musicians who backed Billy Corgan in the Smashing Pumpkins. What has Chamberlin been doing since Corgan's second band Zwan broke up in 2003? Apparently crafting a remarkably good solo debut with a new band: the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex's "Life Begins Again." It seems to have begun again for Chamberlin, anyway.



Anyone expecting the panoramic hard rock of the Pumpkins is going to be disappointed, because it is nowhere to be found. Chamberlin's sound is more of a complex, jazzy art rock sound, heavy on the drums guitars, and brimming over with prog-rock vibes. It's a kind of music that I haven't heard before, especially since it strikes such a good balance between the rock instrumentation and jazz rhythms.



In a few songs, it sounds like Chamberlin and Co. are just jamming around, not sure what to play exactly -- it's interesting, but not nearly as tight as the other instrumentals. They are at their best when combining assured drumming, shifting guitar riffs and lustrous sonics, including a wonderfully weird Rhodes solo in the middle of jamming.



Chamberlin hasn't totally left behind his musical past -- there are still ties to the Pumpkins here. Ex-bandmate Billy Corgan sings in the spooky "Loki Cat," and he also puts his formidable bass-playing skills to use. And Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel provides creepy vocals to the title song, sounding like someone calmly descending into an abyss. It's hard not to get the shivers listening to this.



But the centerpiece of the album is Chamberlin's own skills -- most importantly, his drumming. Songs like "Streetcrawler" are basically Chamberlin's drumming, dressed up in shifting and/or floaty guitars. "Life Begins Again" occasionally lacks musical direction, but it certainly doesn't lack polish or enthusiasm.



In the debut for Jimmy Chamberlin and his new band, they embrace jazzy jams, rock and a bit of pop and metal. "Life Begins Again" has a few duds about two-thirds of the way through, but still ends up strong and richly atmospheric."

Awe Inspiring and nothing less than Amazing

Sarah Johanson | New York | 01/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jimmy Chamberlin Complex has done the unthinkable! They have created an album that is truely original and sounds like nothing else out there. Which today is quite a feat in and of itself!



The melodies are haunting and beautiful and create a lush musical landscape that brings you back for more and more listens! The instrumentals are so engaging, whether its the intense guitar solo on Streetcrawler, the beatiful acoustic bass sounds on Cranes of Prey, or the incomperable drumming of the master Mister Jimmy Chamberlin which is audible on each and every track!!!!



The vocals are perfect. It's just so great that there is a record out there half instrumental and half vocals. It's so refreshing. Rob Dickinson from brit rock group the Catherine Wheel is just amazing on both Life Begins Again and Love is Real. Billy Corgan appears on Loki Cat which is by far one of the album's highlights. This track would have been one of the best even without vocals on it. But with Billy C's characteristic voice it just gives me the chills! Billy Mohler gives a beautiful vocal performace on Newerwaves (my personal fav on the record). But the most surprising of all the vocal appearances is that of the legendary Bill Medley of the Righteous Bros. on the final track 'Lullabye.' His voice has that classic sound that could never be replicated by anyone! It's so cool to hear a classic voice like his on a new track like 'Lullabye.' It's timeless! The album has many sounds and keeps listeners on their toes, but it ALWAYS sounds like a band, like a record. Never disjointed or all over the place. It's a real musical journey and great to listen to from start to finish!



I could go on and on, i just cant say enough great things. And if anyone gets the chance to see the band live, YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED. I saw them play at the Mercury Lounge in NY and it was the most crazy performance i have ever heard/seen. It's one thing if a band sounds amazing on a record because of "Studio Magic", but it's another thing all together when a band can actually carry it off live the way they do, its just incredible. Something i wish more bands could do!



Anyways, i recommend this album and think its going to be an inspiration to musicians everywhere. It is a musical breakthrough!

"

Take a breather...

C. Harig | Issaquah, Wa USA | 02/05/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Taking a long-needed breather from the mud of music digitally transmitted these days, The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex addresses the need for musicians to flex their muscles, stretch and allow their influences to flow. Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Mohler deliver the truly unique without alienating the fan tied to the rock-song formula.



Effectively, this is a jazz album that bridges to alt-rock and somehow keeps it all together. Kudos to Chamberlin for recruiting some varied talent that really works. Rob Dickinson, IMO the most underated songwriter/vocalist/guitarist of the most underated Brit import, Catherine Wheel, is once again, inspiring. The addition of Bill Medley gives Tom Waits a run for his money. For drummers, think Simon Phillips meets-Max Roach-meets Jimmy Chamberlin.



This one is staying the cd-player for the near future."