Alice in Chains
Jar of Flies

I put the vinyl on, it starts.

It begins with "Rotten Apple," distorted guitars that give an almost old-west vibe, then Layne starts singing. Low and suffering verses, almost evocative.

Right after, "Nutshell," a fantastic melody with a hint of melancholy in the background. The singing part begins, Layne sings about the futility of life, how sometimes one might be better off dead.

<> he says. A song that is alone worth the entire discography of Alice In Chains.

With a lighter tone, at least apparently, "I Stay Away," a captivating and engaging song as the guitars become heavier in the chorus. Extremely melancholic.

And here we are at "No Excuses," one of my favorite tracks, speaking about friendship and maybe, why not, even love. For the first time, it seems that a happy ending can be glimpsed through the overall melancholy, even the melody suggests it.

"Don't Follow" is another beautiful piece, with some southern rock influences that Layne immediately makes his own.

It closes with the unique "Swing On This," composed of faster rhythms and choruses, it's perhaps the most experimental song of this EP.

Extremely evocative is the cover of Jar of Flies. Unsettling but intriguing at the same time.

Jar of Flies is undoubtedly one of the best musical products of the 90s, a monumental work but at the same time so experimental and different from the classic tone of Alice in Chains.