Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way

Who is Gerard Way these days? Saviour of the emo teens? One of five musical icons? A solo
shoegaze artist inspired by Britpop? Apparently, it's the latter. Gerard Way's solo sound is far removed from the triumphant efforts of his former band, My Chemical Romance (MCR to those who are more familiar with the band). Back in those day he adorned black eyeliner, changed his hair with every album and dressed up in an array of styles to win over a million broken teenage hearts. Since the split of MCR, Gerard has said that he loves that he can help his fans but he doesn't want to be responsible for all these kids lives anymore. He understands his music empowers and helps them but he doesn't want that to fall straight on his shoulders. To some extent, the huge style change is evidence of that. It's a move away from the emo idealisation that this man is a Messiah and whilst there is still meaning for others in his music, it's definitely Gerard creating a sound that pleases and saves himself first and foremost.

That's not to say he's forgotten about his fans. Oh no, first single from the album, Action Cat, features the lyrics "Do you miss me? Because I miss you" and although I neglected MCR post-Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, I kind of have missed Gerard Way.

Hesitant Alien is actually pretty good. I don't know what I was expecting but this album feels weirdly natural. With new hair and a new slick look (who doesn't love a man in a suit and tie!?), this album sees Gerard Way return with a new passion and power. There are elements of the album when it feels a bit boring: No Shows and Drugstore Perfume just aren't what they should be. And even Brother, a supposedly heartfelt number, sounds a bit lackluster to an average listener.

Whilst it is true there are elements of Hesitant Alien which are hesitant on Gerard's part and alien on the listener's part, there are moments on the album where it's clear Gerard is doing what he should be doing. Zero Zero and Juarez are awesome. They're Gerard Way doing what he does best, the slightly heavier stuff, and although these songs are more Kasabian and Blur sounding, they work perfectly well with his gravelly, imperfect tones. Maya The Psychic closes the album and there was no better song among the 12 to do so. It's a bit of an anthem and as Gerard says "We're not just dreamers, we're the kind that comprehend." That's true of who Gerard Way is, he's more than just a dreamer and Hesitant Alien is a clear celebration of the start of a future he once only dreamed about.

Listen to: Maya The Psychic

6/10

Hesitant Alien is available to buy now.
Gerard Way will be doing his first live shows in the UK since Reading and Leeds this November.