The Incredible Shrinking Gene Loves Jezebel

Michael Aston has split, but brother Jay carries on

Co-frontman Michael Aston has left his brother, Jay, in charge of the British modern rock band Gene Loves Jezebel and the group may wind up stronger for it. Gene Loves Jezebel’s new Geffen release, Kiss of Life, takes a more direct, harder approach than the group’s previous records. Jay Aston’s fey vocals don’t dominate the mix as much, and Gene Loves Jezebel’s unjustly underrated songwriting skills are wisely – and crucially – showcased. Kiss of Life is not really a triumph, but it is certainly a respectable achievement for a band undergoing major change. 

Over the phone from London, Jay Aston discussed being alone out front. “Suddenly, I’m the one that communicates with the audience. I have to be more careful what I say. For me, it’s a brand-new thing. I’ve always worked with Michael in Gene Loves Jezebel, and he’s always been there on stage with me. It took a couple of months to get used to, the live shows particularly. It’s just like starting – not starting over, just starting anew.” 

About the new album Aston said, “The way it’s produced is much more of a factor. We’ve always had a violent edge to our music. Sexuality and spirituality have always been major themes. Kiss of Life went to tape faster; on previous albums, ……. songs should be done, and it would slow things down. Each record has a different producer and that’s had an effect as well. We communicate much better as a four-piece (unit). Everybody has a role. There are reasons (Kiss of Life) sounds more direct.” 

“I’ve always hoped that our strength is in our songs. Hopefully, when we play “Why Can’t I” and “Walk Away” people will absorb them and then enjoy them. The gigs we have done, people have been really appreciative about the new songs, even the ones I that wasn’t sure about.” 

Commenting on the band’s image, Aston said, “The hype is a fact of life. Part of being a rock band is having a theatrical element as well. It’s just the way we did things. Obviously, these things jar a little; I tried to remedy it a bit with this record. That’s why there are no photographs of the bands on the sleeve. We’re not playing on any image.” The new look Gene Loves Jezebel will be playing the Edge in Palo Alto Wednesday night in what is nearly sure to be a sellout. Opening is the Posies, an excellent Pacific Northwest pop band. 

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