Vains Of Jenna – The Art Of Telling Lies
VAINS OF JENNA
THE ART OF TELLING LIES
Released 2009 (RLS Records/Raw Noise Records)
Track List:
01. Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead
02. Mind Pollution
03. Refugee
04. I Belong To Yesterday
05. Paper Heart
06. Get It On
07. Enemy In Me
08. Better Off Alone
09. I Don’t Care
10. The Art Of Telling Lies
Band:
Lizzy DeVine – vocals and rhythm guitars
Nicki Kin – lead guitars
J.P. White – bass
Jackie Stone – drums
Production:
Produced by Brent Woods. Mixed by John Silas Cranfield.
Review:
It’s not often that I do reviews, so if I’m writing this I’m pretty blown away. Such is the case with Vains Of Jenna‘s new release The Art Of Telling Lies. If ever their eclectic influences were apparent, it is now. With songs ranging from funky to blues to ballsy to just plain hard rocking, there is something here for everybody. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the band’s first CD but this album is more polished as it was produced by Brent Woods, who did an amazing job. You may remember that he produced “Enemy In Me” for the Viva la Bands, Volume 2 album, so I’m glad they’ve included it here.
So let’s get into it. We start off with a classic styled rock song, “Every Body Loves You When You’re Dead”, that will get you up and dancing. Next up is “Mind Pollution” which is such a catchy song that I can’t get it out of my head. The casting notice for this video says it all: ‘Seeking guys and girls: 16 – 25 years old, toned bodies, have cool rock n roll look / heroine chic style, tattoos, leather pants, short tops. The video channels 80’s hair metal debauchery, head banging, going crazy, and for those 18+ sexual confidence, kissing and being wild… If you are shy this is NOT the video for you.’ The guitar work by Nicki Kin is amazing on this track.
Then we hit an old classic but with a spicy new twist, uniquely Vains Of Jenna. A cover of Tom Petty‘s “Refugee” brings us back to the roots of rock n roll. “I Belong To Yesterday” is destined to be a classic as I love the beat while “Paper Heart” is a haunting ballad but definitely edgier than those of yesteryear. Kudos on the lyrics guys.
There are a lot of songs with the title “Get It On”, but this one is rough and more in your face. If a song could kick your ass, this would be it. The previously released “Enemy In Me” (it was featured on the shows Jackass and L.A. Ink) is a hard rocking, in your face, song that has become a signature track for Vains Of Jenna.
One of my personal favorites, “I Don’t Care”, has it all. From the funky guitar work to the heart pounding chorus, this song really gets the blood pumping. And just when you think your heart can’t take anymore, the band finish you off with the title track “The Art Of Telling Lies”. This song is epic. It makes a social statement about how fucked-up the world really is and it does it with a fusion of styles. It starts to rap up, or so you think, then turns around and grabs you by the throat and literally leaves you breathless.
Lastly, I have to talk about the cover art. The concept of Vains Of Jenna against the world and taking over is definitely what this album is all about. Jimmy Johansson did a phenomenal job. You are an inspiration buddy, kudos to you.
It is great to see how Vains Of Jenna have evolved as writers and musicians. Though these songs are new they feel like old friends. So, if you’re in the mood for some sleazy/sexy in your face rock and roll then you gotta check out The Art Of Telling Lies and catch them when they come to a town near you in support of this album with their friends Dirty Penny.
www.vainsofjenna.com – www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna – www.rlsrecords.com
Reviewed by Kathy F/Yellowbrd Entertainment for Sleaze Roxx, October 2009.
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