Gerard Way – Hesitant Alien
Review by Annette Schaefer
It’s been well over a year now since My Chemical Romance called it quits. In the time since there has been lots of curiosity and speculation over what the members would do next. Members Frank Iero and Gerard Way wasted little time jumping right back into the musical spotlight. The most recent and probably the most anticipated of the releases in the aftermath of MCR’s end was Way’s debut solo album Hesitant Alien.
On Hesitant Alien,Way has truly broken away from his former role of MCR front man and has given fans something that is uniquely all him. Although, the style on the album is not such a far cry from MCR’s later work, particularly their last full length Danger Days, that this new album will make long time fans uncomfortable, but it is clear that this is not a new MCR record.
The album starts out a bit rough and more than a bit fuzzy. “The Bureau” feels like an elongated intro tack that never really gets much of your attention and just lasts too long. Following are the two singles “Action Cat” and “No Shows” which are plenty catchy and are enough to get your head bobbing. Honestly, though, these first three songs here are probably the weakest part of the whole album. The songs just don’t stand out enough and Way sounds like he’s singing miles away making him pretty hard to understand.
The album really starts to pick up its intrigue factor with tracks “Brother” and “Millions.” “Brother” stands out with the addition of the piano and a sound that comes off as more indie pop than the grittier songs that proceeded. “Millions” manages to somehow be both punk rock and laid back with its mix of a fun melody and fuzzy distortion.
Probably the track on the album that reminisces MCR the most is the final track on the album “Maya the Psychic” with its catchy and anthem ready chorus. The song clings to a touch of the past while giving the album a pretty triumphant ending.
This album is fun to listen to without losing that edginess that will attract MCR fans. The songs here give off a retro vibe without sounding irrelevant. Hesitant Alien seems like it’s somewhere in between old school garage rock and a more modern indie pop sound. While it seems like this album is not quite up to par with Way’s previous work in MCR, it’s a refreshing listen that may help mend some old wounds and showcases what Way is capable of as he starts this new solo chapter in his career.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Millions” and “Maya the Psychic”
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