Vains of Jenna - The Art of Telling Lies

September 30, 9:40 PMLA Music ExaminerDiana DeVille

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Vains of Jenna "The Art of Telling Lies"

I’ve been waiting to hear this record for quite a while, and now that it’s here, it has not disappointed.  Having been a fan of Vains of Jenna from their first record Lit Up/Let Down, nothing is sweeter than seeing these young Swedish rockers evolve so far and grow so much musically in just a few years.

Frontman Lizzy DeVine says, “We went from singing about what we wanted to do, what we hoped to do, to what we’ve actually been through and experienced, so we’ve grown in that sense.”  That fact is telltale in the more mature lyrics on this record, from songs of betrayal (The Enemy in Me) to cynicism (Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead) to the one ballad on the CD (Paper Heart).

DeVine explains, “The title The Art of Telling Lies just came to me, and for while every song was titled The Art of Telling Lies. [laughing]  It was a concept I just had to get out there, and we did eventually wind up with one song, the last track, being titled The Art of Telling Lies".

One of the most pleasant surprising finds of this record is witnessing the blossoming of guitarist Nicki Kin before our eyes (and ears).  Always a competent player, on this album Kin really has come out of his shell and stretches his limits, exhibiting some of the coolest and most exciting riffs I’ve heard in a while.  And the rhythm section of bassist JP White and drummer Jacki Stone has never sounded tighter. Their recent live show at the Knitting Factory showcased a lot of the new tunes, and they sound just as great live as they do on CD. It’s evident that Vains of Jenna really enjoy playing music together, and one can just envision this constant musical challenge among them to see who can keep up with whom.

Produced by Brent Woods, a veteran of the Los Angeles music scene, the first single from the record, Get It On is a sexy, sleazy rock anthem with a not-so-subtle invitation to just jump in and feel the shake, a catchy tune that will stick in your head for days.  The Enemy in Me is a longtime fan favorite in their live set and was the first song written for the record.  Better Off Alone is just the sort of epic song that should be on a movie soundtrack somewhere in the pivotal moment, and even a cool cover of Tom Petty’s Refugee graces the album. I Don’t Care starts out with a bluesy funk piece, devolving into the band’s signature blazing rock song.

Stone says of their experience with Woods, “Some producers come in and just tell you how the record is going to sound.  With Brent, we had the freedom to try many different things and many different styles, so it was a lot of fun making this record.”  

Vains of Jenna is currently on tour in the US through December.  For more information, visit www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna.