Jimmy Chamberlin Complex - 'Life Begins Again' (Sanctuary) Released 24/01/05

Best known as the drummer from the Smashing Pumpkins, Jimmy Chamberlin cites the lyrical concept for his first solo meander ‘Life begins Again,’ as ‘freedom of the spirit,’ - a testament of love, spirituality and cosmic vibrations. Fairly nauseating, a bit limp-wristed…but actually a surprisingly fair description of this broody, bluesy and occasionally transcendent record.

 

Commencing with the faintly sleazy strains of ‘Streetcrawler’ we descend into the brilliant title track; a half angry, half undulating muse on life and death. However, it is ‘Lokicat’ with its tender journey of self-discovery which is the indisputable highlight of the album. Chamberlin’s soft, cascading drums are perfectly complimented by Billy Corgan’s sweetly acidic voice - the result is ethereal, sun-kissed and lovely. Another climax is ‘Lullabye to Children’ in which Righteous Brother Bill Medley takes the lead. ‘Lullabye to Children’ is exactly as the title denotes, but is happily saved from sickliness by Medley’s rich, worldly, teddy bear’s growl.

 

There are many high-points on Chamberlin’s debut effort and also times when he descends into nondescript self-indulgence. A couple of the instrumentals would not be out of place on the soundtrack of a sloppy B-rated Hollywood thriller – or an unusually enigmatic episode of the frankly awesome ‘Murder She Wrote’ (a compliment some might say).

 

Despite its flaws, ‘Life Begins Again’ is a high-quality effort from Chamberlin who doesn’t entirely depart from his Smashing Pumpkins roots, yet manages to make something positively individual, organic and expressive of a genuine love of music. With its distorted guitars, panoramic atmosphere, and light and dark hues, this is a perfect late-night tipple to be consumed and enjoyed in the early hours.