Note: This is the latest project from former Jane’s Addiction and Porno For Pyros frontman Perry Farrell. Guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt (best known for his work with Extreme) is a bandmember and co-producer. The album also features guest performances from Flea and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Peter Hook (New Order/Joy Division), Peter DiStefano (Porno For Pyros), Thievery Corporation and more.
Sound: Sleek, sexy and spiritually awakened doses of cosmic, funky, dance party rock and down-tempo, orchestrated, electro grooves. Guitars shred, basses pop, synths twinkle, strings glide, choirs exalt and Perry’s cat-like vocals soar and summon the intergalactic energy that keeps it all together.
Look For: The final song (“Woman In the Window”) features an unreleased vocal recording from the late Jim Morrison. Perry composed music around the track.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Wish Upon a Dog Star”; “The Solutionists”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Woman In the Window” featuring Jim Morrison; “Hard Life Easy”; “Kinky”
Recommended: This otherworldly love fest can get a little zany and cringe-worthy at times (particularly when it mellows out too much), but there are several strong tracks on here. Ultra Payloaded has more to offer than most guitar-heavy rock albums nowadays, particularly on the first half. After all, Perry Farrell is one of the most creative and invigorating frontmen of the past 20 years, and once again, he’s surrounded himself with stellar musicians.
Grade: B (1st Half = A-, 2nd Half = B-)

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Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On barnesandnoble.com