Just on the fringe of the mainstream back in the 1980s, Gene Loves Jezebel are one of the more unique acts of the era. A mix of styles – ranging from Punk, Metal, Goth, to Rock – the band was led by brothers, Michael Aston and Jay Aston. Together, as Gene Loves Jezebel, there were several lineups of the band that included the likes of Julianne Regan (who would go onto to form All About Eve), all of whom put out a wave of compelling music. Remembered for tracks like 1986’s “Heartache” and “Desire (Come and Get It),” as well as 1987’s “The Motion of Love,” they certainly left their mark.
Unfortunately, there were some twists and turns in the decades since for the brothers, and as of present day, there are two versions of the band out there; Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel and Michael Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel. Not uncommon, there have been two versions of L.A. Guns, two versions of Great White, and so on and so forth. To avoid any confusion, respectively both versions of Gene Loves Jezebel remain active, but by and large, it has been Jay’s edition of the band which has put out new music over the last decade.
Recapping most recent history, Jay’s band put out the acclaimed Dance Underwater in 2017, and this marked the first time he had done so under Gene Loves Jezebel name since The Thornfield Sessions in 2003. That in mind, Jay’s lineu is complete with a group of stellar musicians that includes Guitarist James Stevenson and Bassist Peter Rizzo. Important to mention, these two have collaborated with Jay for sometime now. Now in 2023 they all return as Gene Loves Jezebel featuring Jay Aston, plotting the release of a brand-new album entitled X – Love Death Sorrow on December 1st through Cleopatra Records.
An exciting new release for fans, the new album consists of 12 tracks that explore both new originals, but also some cover tunes. Produced by Peter Walsh, who helped create some of the band’s classic albums like 1987’s The House Of Dolls, the overall feel of X – Love Death Sorrow is quite dark and moody.
Feeling and sounding like a classic Gene Loves Jezebel record, the new originals here include “The Man That Time Forgot,” “Breathe Easy,” “Lone Rider,” “Serpent Queen,” “The Foolish Young,” and “Young Girl.” Each wonderfully crafted, they are atmospheric, smooth and extremely romantic in their own way. That in mind, 4 of these may be recognizable to those who are familiar with Jay Aston and Peter Bugg’s 2011 album Ugly Buggs. Beyond this, the track “Breathe Easy” is allegedly one that has been shelved by Jay for many years, but now it has finally made it to a recording session. Overall, each cut possesses Gothic elements that will mesmerize you that match Jay’s voice which sounds as distinctive as ever. Above all, the songwriting is top-notch.
Beyond these originals, there are also 5 cover songs which include The Cure’s “In Between Days,” Edwyn Collins’ “A Girl Like You,” The Only Ones’ “Another Girl Another Planet,” Marianne Faithfull’s “Broken English,” as well as Magazine’s “The Light Pours Out of Me.” Done in an ever so unique fashion, they not only respect the originals, but offer something different that is well worth the time and energy to indulge in.
In the end, Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel strike gold with X – Love Death Sorrow. The album has no low points and features a tone that is undeniably captiativing and rich in texture. That is why Cryptic Rock gives X – Love Death Sorrow 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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