Dave Navarro - Trust No One (Capitol)

Ahh, the lead guitarist's solo album. This is something that should usually be avoided unless you are fond of being bombarded by songs built upon technical wizardry alone. Not that there is anything wrong with this in moderation, but it seems most lead guitarists can't ever seem to find the way out of their solos and just keep on jamming away in there while the rest of the world walks away.

Thankfully not so with Mr Dave Navarro. The former guitarist for both Jane's Addiction and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers has instead opened his heart to us with his words. The songs deal with loss, despair, torment and paranoia, but the album despite this does not remain downbeat throughout. The mood constantly changes, going both up and down.

Although this sounds nothing like either of his two former bands it holds more in common with bands who he has contributed to in the past, mainly Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. In fact, the production is so deep on the album that it has to be listened to with headphones to be fully appreciated, much like Manson's "Antichrist Superstar".

This album is definitely a breath of fresh air in a world full of disposal pop tunes. It's nice to finally hear something that comes from the heart. Definitely one of my albums of the year so far.

Ken McGrath