In Review: “3rd Secret”

Want to know the best way to get a long-dormant rock music blogger to resurface? Have members from three of his favorite bands from his all-time favorite era of rock quietly form a new band and pump out a couple excellent albums! That’s how you do it, and that’s exactly what’s happened. 

Last year, with no fanfare, and hardly a press release, let alone a record deal, Krist Novoselic (Nirvana bassist), Kim Thayil (Soundgarden guitarist), and Matt Cameron (Soundgarden/Pearl Jam drummer) teamed up with musicians Bubba Dupree, Jillian Raye, and Jennifer Johnson to form the band, 3rd Secret. Their self-titled debut album hit the digital music world in 2022. 

Image credit: 3rdsecret.com

Though most of the 11-song set is pretty solid, the stand out tracks in my opinion are “Lies Fade Away,”

and “I Choose Me.”

Admittedly, I was aware of this new group last year, but for one reason or another I didn’t make the time to give them an honest listen. Then last week, during my daily online surfing for music news, I stumbled upon an article announcing the surprise release of 3rd Secret’s 2nd album, aptly titled, “The 2nd 3rd Secret.” https://www.spin.com/2023/06/3rd-secret-new-album/

image credit: 3rdsecret.com

Upon a few listens on the ol’ Amazon Music, I pretty quickly discovered this album is damn good. In fact, I really like 8 out of the 10 tracks.

“Ditch” is the first video/single release, and it’s one of the better tracks featured on the album. Another treat is the track, “Gift from Above,” which features vocals by Matt Cameron and special guest, the amazing-voiced Taylor Momsen, from the band Pretty Reckless.

Simply put, if you’re a fan of 1990’s alternative rock like me, then 3rd Secret is something you must have a listen to. If you lived that era, and enjoyed that music, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It’s interesting. Listening to Kim Thayil’s solos on these two albums made me appreciate his greatness in ways I don’t think I wholly did in the past. Chris Cornell was so talented that his presence sort of overshadowed his mates in Soundgarden. Hearing the Soundgarden influence in the fabric of some of these songs made me realize and appreciate how much Kim brought to his former band, and in many ways, defined their signature sound. Matt Cameron is of course, Matt Cameron. The king of Seattle drummers. His presence is always noted in any project he contributes to. The lead singers, Jillian and Jennifer, though I’m previously unfamiliar with both of them, are a very impressive fronting duo. Bubba Dupree, a long time associate of the Seattle greats, blends in seamlessly here.

Perhaps the real feel-good part of this band is seeing former Nirvana bassist, Krist Novoselic. Sure, the hair is gone, replaced by the wrinkles of time, but he’s still that same unassuming tall guy off to the side, holding it down and bringing it just as he always did. Of Seattle’s Mount Rushmore of bands, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam are still around. Most of the surviving members of Soundgarden have stayed pretty busy since Cornell’s passing. Then there’s Dave Grohl, who I understand had some success with a little band called Foo Fighters. Novoselic however, has been the missing man for the better part of the past 30 years. Seeing him back in action, let alone performing with members of Soundgarden, both warms my heart and dampens my eyes. They’re much older now, and so am I. Yet seeing them playing together brings me back and reminds me of the 18-year-old freshman in college version of me, whose music world revolved around these guys’ bands. It’s a good feeling. It’s reassuring, quite frankly. It’s like, “Hey. They’re still around. You know what? So am I!”

If anyone out there is interested in a deep dive, treat yourself to 1 hour and 41 minutes that will feel like 15. Here’s an interview, courtesy of 3rdsecret.com, that features producer Jack Endino, Kim, and Krist, reminiscing on the early days of the Seattle scene. The humble beginnings, up through the mass success. It’s a fantastic watch.

Thanks for reading,

Vic