Lucky United – “Ruth”
So Jenn Lombari, or Jenn Kitten, has been one of my favorite songwriters we have on TNB for a while now. Who else? I’d say off the top of my head- Will Good from The Old Edison, Phil McCafferty from Providence, Lenny Lashley, of course.
But right now I’m supposed to talk about Jenn but I think if you listen to the songs they will have more impact than my meager scribbling’s.
The vocals come in like a combination of Joan Jett and Courtney Love, all barbed wire mixed with soft kisses, toughness that depicts a strong, intense conviction along with an aching vulnerability that shows a soul that feels and cares.
Her writing is crafted to reveal and evoke emotions, trimmed of the excesses and poised to hit hard and strong into your mind, guts and loins.
The music is energetic and pushed with bravado but also stutters with a sensitive uncertainty.
I read something in the liner notes about “heart on her sleeve”, I like to use the term “putting your guts on the line.” This she excels at and the potency of her songs are much more than what my words can say.
These songs succeed at being true, intense and strong. Let’s check them out.
“Anchor” starts with some scratching, chugging guitar before the able drums come in chopping which is the only accompaniment for Jenn with her abrasive vocals and slashing guitar. “I’m not going anywhere/ And I promise you if anything I’ll always be there,” goes the melodic chorus of a relationship gone sour that may be gone or may have a chance but at least a promise of friendship is there. “Things got a little fucked up and I didn’t want it to happen this way/ It ain’t fair but I’m here with you.” The song sails along with energy, passion and hope.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 – Anchor.mp3|titles=Anchor]
Now “Keep It On,” comes out with a blustering, propulsive guitar with lyrics that speak instead of being there for someone, someone being there for her. “And I don’t care if it’s cold or dark or late at night/ You’re my porch light/ Keep it on.” This is a song about hitting the road in a car at night and unlike some hokey Springsteen number this one truly evokes the danger and unknown that the night time and travel incites. “And we sit and talk to disinfect the past/ And confess how we both want something to last.” This is a banging, clanging rock’n’roll song full of desire, belief and hope.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/3 – Keep It On.mp3|titles=Keep It On]
“Get Away Car” seems to imply the relationship has taken a wrong turn, a wrong exit off the highway if you may. The song starts out slow and desolate with the words, “Go ahead and do what you gotta do/ I ain’t going anywhere and I’m not giving up on you.” The song moves along, dark and mellow, almost like a tune by Jesus & Mary Chain. “I will be your knife/ You can strap me to your thigh.” But by the second time when the song hits the first line the vocals go up an octave and we’re into Courtney Love like screaming and intensity before it calmly resolves musically but without a resolution to the story.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/4 – Get Away Car.mp3|titles=Get Away Car]
“I’ll drive until I ain’t got nothing left.”
I’ve never included a song that is not in the material I’m reviewing. I’m making an exception now. This is just Jenn and her guitar in her kitchen from her you tube page.
And maybe you have a better video you like, you know, with boys jumping up and down, a lot of aggression in the music, loud with screaming, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
And maybe you have a song that hits you like an electric bolt shot straight through your spine, that pulls your nerves straight out from your heart- man, that’s got to hurt! And maybe you have a song that causes tears to hit the page that you’re writing on.
And maybe, just maybe, you have a song that moves you more than this one does to me right now. I believe you, I believe you think that, but please believe me when I say that you don’t.
“And I’ll try, till I ain’t got nothing left.”
I believe Jenn’s songs are louder than war, stronger than the madness of life, truer than all the false facts of life, purer than a perfect sea beyond reason. And oh, yeah….tremendous for kisses at red lights.
http://luckyunited.bandcamp.com/
(Slimedog)
