“Sunset 666,” a double live album by the legendary alternative rock / shoegaze group The Jesus And Mary Chain, serves as a riveting testimony to the enduring prowess of this Scottish outfit. Recorded during their 2018 opening performance for Nine Inch Nails at The Hollywood Palladium, the album captures a mesmerizing set that spans the band’s illustrious career, reflecting their post-2017 reformation. The founding members, the Reid brothers, Jim and William, both on guitar and vocals, exhibit a remarkable musical synergy that remains a pivotal force since their ’80s and early ’90s heyday. Their performance encapsulates the essence of The Jesus And Mary Chain’s sonic evolution over the decades, proving that maturity has only refined their artistry.
They opened their set with “Just Like Honey,” the first track from their legendary 1985 full-length “Psychocandy.” It’s an adequate overture into a magnificent live album, with all the fuzzy chord progressions and calm vocals creating an ethereal ambiance. A standout moment on “Sunset 666” is the appearance of fellow Scot Isobel Campbell, lending her exquisite vocals to “Sometimes Always” and “Black And Blues.” Campbell’s contribution adds a new dimension to the live experience, especially on “Sometimes Always,” where her voice seamlessly channels the spirit of Hope Sandoval, co-vocalist of Mazzy Star. The rendition of “Amputation” from their 2017 reunion album, “Damage And Joy,” is a raw, abrasive, fuzzy sonic journey where guitars reign supreme. The Jesus And Mary Chain decorated this composition with catchy vocal harmonies and hypnotic melodies, showcasing their timeless ability to craft compelling soundscapes.
With live renditions of “All Things Pass,” “Some Candy Talking,” “Head On,” and “The Living End,” these legendary Scottish prove why they’re one of the most beloved bands of the eighties and the nineties. They combine some of the finest properties borrowed from alternative, indie, shoegaze, and post-punk with ease, and this formula works to their advantage. The band also included “Cracking Up,” one of their catchiest tracks from “Munki,” their legendary full-length released in 1998. It irresistibly resembles the early nineties grunge era, with that special The Jesus And Mary Chain touch. To be honest, it sounds much better than the studio version. Tracks like “Teenage Lust” and “Reverence” off 1992’s “Honey’s Dead” or “I Hate Rock ‘n’ Roll” from “Munki” demonstrate the band’s mastery in balancing distorted guitar histrionics with ethereal vocal harmonies, creating a perfectly balanced abrasive garage rock wall of noise.
The band continues with the same energy and pace by delivering “Blues From A Gun,” “Far Gone And Out,” and “Between Planets.” These three compositions showcase The Jesus And Mary Chain’s brilliance by embracing skillfully arranged, flawlessly performed, fuzzy riffs with equally distorted, marvelous themes and leads. “Between Planets” almost levitates between classic punk rock, rock ‘n’ roll, and grunge, a combination that always sounds good. The band slows down with “Half Way To Crazy,” which serves as a more than well-deserved break before they destroy the stage with “In A Hole.” They picked a perfect closing track, which unquestionably sounds ten times better than on the studio album.
Released on Fuzz Club Records, “Sunset 666” is a fitting platform for a band known for delivering powerful riffs drenched in fuzz and distortion. The live setting brings out the raw, unbridled energy that has defined The Jesus And Mary Chain throughout their career. Despite the years gone by, the album serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Reid brothers’ musical alchemy. This live album reaffirms that The Jesus And Mary Chain’s signature alternative rock sound remains timeless. “Sunset 666” is not just a live album; it’s a celebration of a band that has left an indelible mark on the alternative rock landscape, and it’s heartening to witness them continuing to deliver superior performance with unwavering passion and authenticity.
“Sunset 666” arrives on a double white splatter on black vinyl, housed in a high-quality gatefold empowered with beautiful artwork. The record sleeves include all the liner notes and info you need to know about their live performance at the Hollywood Palladium. Head to Fuzz Club for more information about ordering this gem. Don’t miss it!
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