Most bands cut a record, release it and then go on tour. But not Jane's Addiction: Following a successful string of live shows last fall, the band is talking seriously about putting together the long-awaited follow-up to 1990's Ritual de lo Habitual.

According to guitarist Dave Navarro, the band -- which also includes singer Perry Farrell, drummer Stephen Perkins and new bassist Martyn LeNoble -- recognizes the need for a fresh record. "We love playing together, and we play great shows," he says, "but if we're ever going to do that again we know that we need some new material. I don't think we want to stop playing, but we do want to stop playing the same repertoire."

Navarro's comments echo what Perkins told Jane's fans in a recent Web chat. "David, Perry and I have come to the point now where communication and the friendships are there, and the next step would be getting together to write new songs," Perkins wrote. "I've got a trip planned throughout February, and when that concludes, we're gonna get together with Martyn and have some fun in the studio."

Meanwhile, Navarro continues to work on a second solo album to follow-up Trust No One, released last summer. "Some writing is already done," he says. "I don't like to go into the studio when everything isn't ready. I've done that, and it doesn't work out so well."

AUGUSTIN K. SEDGEWICK
(February 12, 2002)