Grunge enthusiasts have spent a lot of time debating what proved to be the defining statement of Alice In Chains’ career. Was it the dark, dank cocaine wallowing of “Dirt”, or the stripped-back acoustic stargazing of “Jar Of Flies?” Whatever your choice, “Jar Of Flies” was the first ever EP to top the US charts and remains one of the only such recordings to do so. Also, the inability of a whole fan-base to pick between the two is a glorious testament to the diversity and ability of this band.

Many a time it has been said that Nirvana’s “Unplugged” set for MTV was the defining moment of Cobain’s career, laying his songwriting out on a late for all to see. Alice In Chains were eventually responsible for an Unplugged set of their own which was of equally incredible proportions, the ghost of Layne Staley occupying a stage for all to see. Their truly introspective highlights come on “Jar Of Flies” though, from the very second that the astonishing opening riff of “Rotten Apple” trickles down your spine. From that moment onwards it’s acoustic bliss, accentuated by shots of electric guitar that provide the background to Staley’s musings. Another compliment I can pay is that the record suits my mood perfectly, whether terrible or good. In the case of the latter, the likes of “I Stay Away” and “No Excuses” shun the complications of emotionally tumultuous relations, while the former is perfectly epitomized by the opening two tracks, a pitch-black anthem followed by “Nutshell,” one of the finest tracks of the grunge era, which provides an achingly self-referential lyric.

After that, the EP offers up the gloomy “Whale & Wasp,” followed by the grunge-folk of “Don’t Follow” and the unlikely, jazz-influenced “Swing On This”. Nonetheless, the end result is the same. Alice In Chains solidify their place as a remarkable band of their time and another band destined to be a casualty of the man fronting them. Jerry Cantrell was and is a major part of the band, but Layne Staley will be looked back upon as its irreplaceable lifeblood. Anyone who sees the hologram of Staley that sits agonizingly during their “Unplugged” set, the true “Unplugged” set of grunge, as opposed to Nirvana’s poppier but nevertheless excellent set, will know that Alice In Chains’ debt as a truly emotionally engaging band is owed to this seven strong collection.

by Michael