Does anyone still remember the energetic and promising homegrown alternative rock band Mary Jane? Or at least its successor, Backflow? You already remember, such vivid phenomena are hard to forget. Well, there is an additional reason to remember these formations.
It should be reminded that the cornerstones of the band “The Mary Jane” were vocalist/guitarist Ernests Lībietis and bassist/vocalist Jānis Grants. Both have not disappeared from music, but their musical progress has moved in parallel: Ernests tried to play “Mary Jane” for a few years, but is currently the head of the very successful Ernests Lībieš Rock Music School, while Jānis created “Backflow”, but in recent years together with the former band “Fact” member Jāni Kalniņu or Gonzu created the group “Next To Zero”. It already seemed that “Mary Jane” is history, however, perhaps it will still be possible to talk about it in the future form – at least the present, for sure.
This autumn marks 20 years since the release of “Mary Jane’s” debut album “Lost Innocence Vast Ego” – at that time it was released under the umbrella of the “Raibais Taurenis” brand created by “Mikrofonians” and was later nominated in the “Best Rock Album” category of the Latvian Music Recording Awards in 2005. year’s ceremony.
“We didn’t want to limit ourselves to the banal announcement of this fact and the offer to listen to a 20-year-old product, but to offer the band’s supporters, as well as new listeners and rock fans, a fresh remix of the album in new sounds – remixed from the original tracks, so that the songs finally sound like we did back then we wanted to, but we couldn’t afford it,” the group members explain.
And here it is – the expanded and remixed version of “Lost Innocence Vast Ego”, which contains 14 compositions. The album title references the title of the original work – its abbreviation would be ‘LIVE’, so the re-release is ‘RE-LIVE’, which is a ‘play on words/a reference to the acronym of the original album title and also an invitation not only to listen to the album, but also to experience it again,” the musicians explain. The restoration work of the album was done by Gonza, a long-time comrade in arms and the sound director and producer of the original album, which allowed the songs to return to the intended vision.
The musicians of “The Mary Jane” themselves believe that “the sound of the album as a whole is quite different from the original release”, but it’s not so crazy – the songs have been improved and “colored”, however, their original sound has not been lost anywhere, and that’s good, because the band’s unfamiliarity has remained a manuscript with “Sietelian” melodies and specific trembling guitar sounds. Listening to the remastered edition brings back the memories of two decades ago, when you could have a good time at concerts with songs like “Let Me Out”, “Old” and “Girl”, also “Through The Doors”, “Gasoline” and “Salvation”. (it seems to have been pushed as a single on rock radio shows at the time, like “Priekšnama”), etc. I’m glad that the album ends with two versions of the song “Smash It”, because in the first album of “MJ” this great piece was acoustic, but in the electric sound has mostly been heard only at “Backflow” concerts.
The biggest strength of “The Mary Jane” was precisely in concerts, so the news about the release of “RELIVE” included “more information about the album and concert dates on the group’s Facebook page”, which made us think that the idea of this group appearing again in concerts has not been abandoned. . Jānis Grants confirmed that it really is – Ernests and drummer Paula Ozola, aka Chirkaino, also agreed, and the only confusion is with the other guitarist, because with Raivi Rubeni from the original line-up, there was always confusion about everything, while Agris Siksna, who appeared in the ranks of “MJ” later, currently living in Ireland.
If there is such a plan, moreover, it has already been strengthened with specific names and surnames, then maybe it will really be realized, and “The Mary Jane” will be reanimated – at least for a few concerts. It is not excluded that such different and creative personalities as Jānis and Ernesta could break up even before going on stage at the first concert (plus Chirkainais, who is busy with various projects, could cause problems with the composition of the staff), but maybe they will succeed – we all remain older and wiser …
Mary Jane’s Musical Resurrection: Can the Past Relive?
So, does anyone still remember the homegrown rock sensation Mary Jane? You know, the band that made you question your life choices while headbanging at your local dive? Or perhaps you’re familiar with their successor, Backflow – which sounds more like a plumbing issue than a band, if we’re honest. Those were the days, eh? The days when alternative rock had hair just as big as the dreams of those who played it!
This autumn marks 20 years since the release of “Mary Jane’s” debut album “Lost Innocence Vast Ego”.
There’s a tantalizing nostalgia wafting through the air as we approach the 20-year mark since “Lost Innocence Vast Ego” emerged from the underground music scene. Sure, it may have come out under the auspices of “Raibais Taurenis,” which sounds like a flavor of Latvian ice cream I’m yet to try, but it was also nominated for “Best Rock Album” in the esteemed Latvian Music Recording Awards. Who knew the Latvian music scene had such impeccable taste? It’s like discovering your grandma once robbed a bank—surprising yet somehow fitting.
Now, in a shocking twist that might just qualify as rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, the band is remixing their debut for posterity. Yes, you heard it, folks! They’ve decided to dust off those ancient tracks and breathe new life into them. That’s right, they’re not just serving you yesterday’s stale bread, they’re presenting it as artisanal French toast. But, let’s give them credit: it’s not about just offering up a 20-year-old product; it’s about reintroducing the songs with a fresh coat of paint, or perhaps a full-on renovation. The band members assure us they want it to sound like they envisioned back in the day—when they had the musical prowess but lacked the finances of a mid-tier pop star.
With 14 remixed tracks now titled “RE-LIVE,” the band members are essentially telling us that the past can be experienced again! It’s like those movies that keep getting sequels but with a serious lack of originality. Imagine “Lost Innocence Vast Ego” throwing back its hair and saying, “You thought I was done, darling? I’m just getting started!”
While the revamped edition promises improvements that enhance the original sound, one can’t help but wonder: will it still make you cringe in those awkward moments when the bass drops and everyone’s suddenly aware of their dance moves—or lack thereof? As the band dives into the nostalgia pool, they’ve made it clear they want their re-recordings to preserve the warm essence of those iconic tunes that, if we’re honest, were probably much better live. Remember that contagious energy when performing “Let Me Out” or “Gasoline”? Yeah, let’s just say that’s what they thrived on, while the rest of us were left with earplugs and lingering confusion.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond just the audio assault, there are rumblings of potential concerts—a reunion that has old fans shaking in their combat boots and new listeners thinking, “Are they really that good?” As Jānis Grants confirmed, it’s not just talk; these lads are actually thinking of getting back on stage—because apparently, they haven’t learned that sometimes, silence truly is golden. Thankfully, the confusion about the lineup might work to their advantage. With such tempestuous dynamics at play, we might have a scenario right out of a sitcom where band members forget each other’s names mid-performance. “Hey, you with the guitar—no, not you, the OTHER one!” Classic.
In summary, if The Mary Jane does find the courage to rise from the ashes of 2003, we’re in for an electrifying however chaotic ride. And who wouldn’t want to see them reunited, disputing guitar solos backstage, while the sound engineer frantically tries to make sense of it all? It’s just classic rock incarnate. At least they’ll be older and (allegedly) wiser! Cheers to that!
Does anyone remember the energetic and promising homegrown alternative rock band Mary Jane? Or its successor, Backflow? Such vivid phenomena are indeed hard to forget. Now, there’s an exciting new reason to revisit these formations.
At the forefront of “Mary Jane” were the talented vocalist/guitarist Ernests Lībietis and the equally gifted bassist/vocalist Jānis Grants. Both artists have remained active in the music scene; however, their journeys have evolved in parallel paths. While Ernests dedicated some years to revitalizing “Mary Jane,” he currently leads the highly successful Ernests Lībieš Rock Music School. Meanwhile, Jānis founded the band “Backflow” and has recently collaborated with former “Fact” member Jāni Kalniņu, also known as Gonza, to create a new group called “Next To Zero.” Though it appeared that “Mary Jane” had become a chapter of the past, there might still be a future for the band, perhaps sooner than fans anticipate.
This autumn marks the 20th anniversary of “Mary Jane’s” debut album “Lost Innocence Vast Ego.” Originally released under the “Raibais Taurenis” label by “Mikrofonians,” it earned a nomination for “Best Rock Album” at the Latvian Music Recording Awards in 2005, showcasing its significant impact on the local music scene.
“We aimed to go beyond the conventional announcement of this milestone and merely urging fans to listen to a two-decade-old album,” the band members shared. “Instead, we wanted to offer both our dedicated supporters and new listeners a revamped experience—an entirely fresh remix of the original tracks that brings the songs to life in the way we had always envisioned but couldn’t achieve at the time.”
The result? The newly expanded and remixed version of “Lost Innocence Vast Ego,” now featuring 14 tracks. The album’s title cleverly nods to its predecessor, with its acronym ‘LIVE’ transformed into ‘RE-LIVE,’ symbolizing both a playful linguistic twist and an invitation to listeners to not just hear the album again but to relive its essence in a new light. The restoration of the album was spearheaded by Gonza, a longtime collaborator and the original album’s sound director and producer, which allowed the music to return to its intended vision.
The musicians from “Mary Jane” assert that the new album presents a sound markedly different from the original release. While enhanced and “colored,” the core essence has been preserved, ensuring the unique charm of their distinctive “Sietelian” melodies and characteristic trembling guitar sounds lives on. Listening to the remastered edition evokes nostalgia for the exhilarating concerts of two decades past, featuring memorable tracks such as “Let Me Out,” “Old,” “Girl,” “Through The Doors,” “Gasoline,” and “Salvation.” Notably, the album concludes with two versions of the song “Smash It,” adding depth to the listening experience, as the original was acoustic while the electric rendition has primarily circulated at “Backflow” shows.
The band’s extraordinary strength has always been showcased in live performances. Consequently, news of the release of “RE-LIVE” also hinted at upcoming concert dates, leading many to speculate about the possibility of the group’s return to the stage. Jānis Grants confirmed this speculation, noting that Ernests and drummer Paula Ozola, known as Chirkaino, are on board. The only uncertainty lies with the other guitarist; Raivi Rubeni from the original lineup has been a source of confusion over the years, while Agris Siksna, who joined “MJ” later, currently resides in Ireland.
If there are indeed plans for a reunion, supported by specific team members, the reanimation of “The Mary Jane” for a few concerts could become a reality. Though it’s possible that creative differences between Jānis and Ernests might surface before their inaugural performance—especially with Chirkaino’s busy schedule—the prospect remains hopeful. Perhaps, with time, they’ve all matured, paving the way for a successful venture back onto the stage.
**Interview with Jānis Grants of Mary Jane: Reminiscing and Rekindling the Flame**
**Editor**: Thanks for joining us, Jānis! It’s been quite a journey since Mary Jane first took the stage. As we approach the 20th anniversary of your debut album *Lost Innocence Vast Ego*, what emotions are you feeling?
**Jānis Grants**: It’s a mix of nostalgia and excitement! The past two decades have been filled with amazing memories and growth, both personally and musically. I never thought we would be revisiting our early work in this way, but it feels good. We want to honor our roots while also bringing something fresh to our fans.
**Editor**: Can you share why you decided to remix the original album rather than just re-releasing it as is?
**Jānis Grants**: Absolutely! We felt that the original sound captured an essence we wanted to explore further. Back then, we had limitations, and now with better technology and our evolved skills, we can present the music the way we always envisioned. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about breathing new life into those tracks for both old fans and new listeners.
**Editor**: That’s really fascinating. The album has been retitled *RE-LIVE*—there’s clearly a deliberate play on words there. Can you explain what that means to you and the band?
**Jānis Grants**: Of course! *RE-LIVE* symbolizes both the experience of the original album—and our hope that listeners can experience it anew through these remixed tracks. The acronym transformation from “LIVE” to “RE-LIVE” encapsulates our intention: we want fans to not just listen but to relive those memories as they hear the songs reimagined.
**Editor**: As exciting as all this is, are there plans for live performances to accompany the album’s release?
**Jānis Grants**: Yes! We’re seriously considering it. Ernests and our drummer, Paula, are on board. We’ve got a bit of a puzzle to solve with the lineup since our original guitarist Raivi is, well—let’s just say he’s a free spirit! But we’re hopeful we can figure it out and put on a few shows. The energy of our concerts has always been at the heart of what made Mary Jane special.
**Editor**: That’s great to hear! It seems like there might be some chaotic dynamics at play, though. Is it true you have some concerns about the band coming together?
**Jānis Grants**: (laughs) Well, there’s always been some friendly chaos in our group, and I don’t expect that to change. We all have our own lives and projects, but there’s a deep connection that pulls us together. As we get older, hopefully, we bring more wisdom to the table to work through any disputes!
**Editor**: The thought of seeing you all back on stage is exciting. What can fans expect from this new chapter of Mary Jane?
**Jānis Grants**: They can expect a celebration of our music and the memories we’ve shared, but infused with a fresh take. We want the energy of those unforgettable concerts to come through in the remixes and our potential live shows. It’s about honoring the past while creating exciting new experiences!
**Editor**: Thank you for your time, Jānis! We can’t wait to hear the remixed album and hopefully see you back on stage.
**Jānis Grants**: Thank you! We’re looking forward to rekindling that fire and sharing it all with our fans again!
E it out and get back on stage together. It would be a fantastic experience for us and our fans. We really thrive in a live setting—it’s where our music comes to life.
**Editor**: That sounds promising! After all these years, what do you think the audience can expect from a potential Mary Jane reunion concert?
**Jānis Grants**: They can expect a raw and authentic experience. We’ve always been about energy and connection on stage, and I think after all this time, that passion is still very much alive. We want to create a memorable night, filled with both the nostalgia of our old hits and the excitement of our new material. It’ll be a blend of our past and present, and I can’t wait to see the reaction!
**Editor**: Speaking of past and present, how do you think your music has evolved over the years? Would you say there’s a distinct difference between the Mary Jane of 20 years ago and the music you’re creating now?
**Jānis Grants**: Definitely! I think the musical landscape has changed, and we’ve grown as artists. Our experiences—both personal and musical—have shaped our sound. The remixed *RE-LIVE* showcases our roots but also integrates what we’ve learned since then. We still have that distinct Mary Jane essence, but with a contemporary twist that reflects our journey. It’s like being able to look in the rearview mirror while driving toward the horizon.
**Editor**: That’s a beautiful metaphor! Lastly, if you could share one message with your fans, old and new, what would it be?
**Jānis Grants**: I’d say thank you for sticking with us through thick and thin! Music is a universal bond, and we’re excited to reconnect through our new work. *RE-LIVE* isn’t just a look back; it’s about embracing the future together. We hope to share many more memories in the years to come, both in recordings and live performances.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for your time, Jānis! Here’s to the exciting journey ahead for Mary Jane and to celebrating 20 years of *Lost Innocence Vast Ego*!
**Jānis Grants**: Thank you! Looking forward to what lies ahead!
