Jane

Introduction to Jane's Self-Titled Album

In 1980, the German rock band Jane released their self-titled album, often referred to as Mask. This album was issued on the Brain label with the catalog number 60.309. The band's lineup featured Predrag "Pedja" Jovanović as the lead vocalist, alongside Klaus Hess on guitar and keyboards, Martin Hesse on bass, and Peter Panka on drums. The album was recorded at Jane Studio in Sarstedt, engineered by Dave Hutchins, and remixed at Conny's Studio.

Musical Style and Influences

Jane's music on this release reflects a blend of rock, Krautrock, and progressive rock styles. The incorporation of Jovanović's vocals brought a fresh dynamic to the band's sound. His theatrical approach to singing introduced elements of 1980s new wave and hard rock to their established progressive rock framework. This melding of genres is evident throughout the album, which contains both energetic and contemplative tracks.

Highlight Tracks

Among the standout tracks on the album are "On My Way," "New Man In Town," and the extended piece "Stop The Clock," which runs for eight minutes. The track "Love Your Life" features a strong melodic line, while "Dynamite" showcases the band’s rhythmic prowess. Additionally, former keyboardist Werner Nadolny made a guest appearance on the saxophone for the track "Cadillac Rider," further diversifying the album's sonic palette.

Post-Release Developments

Following the release of this album, Pedja returned to Yugoslavia, where he later established the synth-pop group D'Boys. The album's combination of various musical influences helped to shape the trajectory of the band's future projects. Jane's self-titled album, commonly known as Mask, was released in 1980.