Way is also a talented comic book artist,l and was able to put this to good use in creating an original artwork that introduces an even more personal touch to the record, rather than just sticking a photo on the cover. It features an original self portrait by Way that matches the fun and whimsical style of the music. The album artwork is significantly different to that of the CD and digital releases. It could be played in public at anytime and blend in with the rare alternative rock tines you would hear in the charts. It’s guitar intro is similar to Action Cat and sets you up for what I would consider the most radio-friendly. Maya the Psychic concludes the album by returning to the upbeat Britpop style. It’s filled with Nirvana-esque guitar distortions and whole chunks of Way just screaming until his vocal chords give out and voice breaking like a teenager in a garage band. If you’re looking for the more grunge inspired pieces, I would stick with Juarez. It’s sharp and filled with pain that tells a simple story but hits you hard with the intensity of his whining verses. Way’s voice once again draws on the MCR days to pierce the emotional veil here. To this extent, Hesitant Alien is also able to slow itself down for Drugstore Perfume, which is more of a ballad. It’s hard to avoid the Britpop drawl that’s superbly in sync with Way’s own higher pitched and occasionally screaming voice. Actually, this could be said for the entire album, in hindsight. Lead single Action Cat sets the tone for a loud, shouting, fast paced album that could easily be mistaken for a Blur track. It’s characterised by distortion, psychedelia and epic guitars, with Way having taken his MCR credentials and improved on them to create his own send that separates him from the emo scene.
An obscure era just prior to grunge and Britpop of the 90s, while also drawing on these post-shoegaze movements. The album fits perfectly into the shoegazing genre. Hesitant Alien was the result, and it did not disappoint. It came as no surprise to me then that after the band split, Way would be back with solo material. Anyone who was a childhood of the naughties will have at some point, fallen under the rebellious greebo spell, mostly likely with earphones in and The Black Parade blasting until it deafened you. Had I known that it would’ve been a rarity to see the charismatic former My Chemical Romance (MCR) frontman live, I would have made it my priority to go. Back in 2015, I had the chance to go and see Gerard Way at the O2 Academy in Birmingham.
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