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THE REVIEW
This album is perhaps the artistic pinnacle of Seattle grunge, the result of a supergroup including the great Layne Staley of AIC, Pearl Jam's guitarist Mike McCready, Screaming Trees' drummer Barrett Martin, and blues-styled bassist John Saunders (who also passed away like Staley).
The sound of "Above" draws from grunge but revitalizes it, in a year (1995) when the genre's decline had begun, expanding the range of influences. Some tracks clearly draw from grunge: "I don’t know anything" unfolds on merciless and rocky chords and riffs, which the Silverchair clones will imitate sometime later. In "Wake up" and "I'm above," it's already evident that the grunge power is sublimating into clearer and more sickly atmospheres, thanks to Layne Staley's unique and unreachable vocals, who in "Artificial red" delivers another extraordinary performance, rising above an extremely sensual blues. "River of deceit" is beautiful and poignant, looking back towards the acoustic Led Zeppelin, while certain 70s space rock influences are certainly paid homage to in "November hotel."
Perhaps the best track is "Long gone day," a lascivious bossa nova where Layne's voice is joined by the alcoholic tones of another master, Mark Lanegan.
In short, a great album, perhaps the best to understand the poetics of the great Staley, who has been somewhat forgotten in favor of Cobain (which I can't explain), but who expressed emotions and poetry in a much deeper way: something that will be especially demonstrated in the eponymous Alice in Chains album which will be released a few months later, in my opinion, Alice's masterpiece.
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Summary by Bot
Mad Season's 'Above' represents the artistic peak of Seattle grunge, featuring the combined talents of Layne Staley and other notable musicians. The album revitalizes grunge in 1995 by blending it with blues, acoustic rock, and 70s space rock influences. Memorable tracks like 'Long Gone Day' showcase unique vocal collaborations, while the album highlights Staley's poetic depth often overshadowed by Cobain. Overall, 'Above' is a must-listen for grunge lovers and an essential chapter in 90s rock.
Mad Season
Mad Season was a Seattle supergroup formed in 1994 by Layne Staley, Mike McCready, Barrett Martin, and John Baker Saunders. They released one studio album, Above (1995), noted for its blend of grunge, blues, and psychedelia, with Mark Lanegan guesting on two tracks.07 Reviews
Other reviews
By Rooster
Staley’s raw and damned singing, the true protagonist, manages to express itself in all its natural essence.
The strong emotions that emerge are the true success of 'Above', one of the last masterpieces produced by Seattle’s brief, intense, and frenetic rock period.
By treno
Blues and Hard rock blend into a brew of sadness and anguish that emerges in tracks like 'I Don’t Know Anything.'
'River of Deceit,' the gem of the album, introduces a very sad track with a dark text which transforms into an incredible live version.
By Nevskji
"Mike McCready’s guitar work on this album is a masterpiece, balancing electric outbursts and sweetness in perfect harmony."
"Layne Staley once again confirms the extraordinary talent bestowed upon him — a voice capable of stirring emotions and dreaming."
By Black Creep
Every note is as if a bullet fired to the heart.
'Above' is an unrepeatable work, it has something tremendously magical, it enters your soul making you experience many unique emotions.
By Diego Remaggi
Seattle was the center of the world. From there came the cries of anger and fear of a devastated generation.
River Of Deceit is a gem, delicate and suffused like a jazz song, delighting the listening of anyone.
