'The Art of Telling Lies' by Vains of Jenna: The Bring Back Glam! Review

When Vains of Jenna released The Art of Telling Lies (RLS/Raw Noize) last month, I was cautiously optimistic. I'm a big fan of the band and their debut Lit Up/Let Down. Would The Art of Telling Lies measure up? Yeah. It's amazing. Actually, it's my favorite album of the year so far.

Here's the track list:

Everybody Loves You When You're Dead
Mind Pollution
Refugee
I Belong To Yesterday
Paper Heart
Get It On
Enemy In Me
Better Off Alone
I Don't Care
The Art of Telling Lies

Basically, I dig all the tracks - but there are a few I like more than others. I love the title track, the cover of "Refugee" and "Enemy in Me." In all instances, the band displays real growth: it's clear Vains of Jenna didn't just waste their time in the U.S. on the last 'go round. Sure, the band toured non-stop and then went home to Sweden, but there was clearly some active songwriting going on. The quality of The Art of Telling Lies is so far above Lit Up/Let Down it's almost breathtaking - in short, the new album is rock solid.

Why would VOJ cover Tom Petty's "Refugee?" I guess to pay homage to a classic rock master. No matter, it's fantastic: dare I say better than the original? There's something both strong and melancholy about Nicki Kin's guitar tone on this track that makes it memorable. I found myself repeating "Refugee" over and over while listening on my iPod.

Vains of Jenna are playing shows all over the U.S. through the end of the year. Go see them and buy the new album. If you're a true Glam fan, this is what you want: infectious hooks, great guitar solos and awesome lyrics courtesy of Lizzy DeVine.

Comments

[Kenny Ozz]

Its an AMAZING album. Way better than their first. I dont get the Tom Petty cover but other than that its rock solid. VOJ are the future of rock n roll!

[Mike]

I agree Allyson. I think the title track is probably the best song AND.... may even be on a par with some of Guns n' Roses best stuff! There's something sort of Illusion "ish" about it.

[MotleyCrue666]

dont know about the best but it is so amazing and MUCH better than their debut.

r u gonna review sonic boom and feel the steel?

[Peter]

Great album, but nowhere being the best in 2009, that would go to Alice in Chains or Black Crowes , I gave Art of Telling Lies 3-4 listens and title tracks is awesome, Enemy in Me is awesome, Get it On is awesome, and Refugee and first track are great, unfortunately other half of songs are medicore but still 5 awesome tracks is great,

[Nate]

They have, what, 3 or 4 shows within Central Ohio next week with Dirty Penny...are you there? There is supposed to be some place in Columbus called Vegas 161, but I've never been able to find a website. I've seen the place, but it always looks closed to me...I guess I'll see next week. If not, it's Shaker's in Cambridge for me!

[Chey]

for me lit up/ let down was better. i love this album and the songs are great. but their first album fits my style a lot more. their demos even before that are awsome also. one last pleasure is thier best by far. i don't know but for me the less production, the better.