This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
Rock and roll is making a come back. Reminiscent of the 80’s metal scene but with a whole new vibe. And from all places its coming from Sweden. In the forefront of this new wave is a band called Vains of Jenna. People in Europe have realized that what we have been sorely lacking for well over a decade now is in your face rock and roll. Trashy rock that looks and sounds like it. Thanks in part to Bam Margeras who recognized the talent in this band. He immediately started Filthy Notes records and signed them to their first deal. Lit up/Let Down, They did the theme song on his show Bam’s Unholy Union. They are currently on tour with Poison/Ratt.
Vains of Jenna comes from Falkenberg, Sweden. With Lizzy DeVine on lead vocals and guitars, JP White bass, Nicki Kin lead guitar and Jacki Stone on drums they are a fusion of two rival bands. Originally Lizzy and JP were in one band and Nicki and Jacki in another. Lizzy admits they had the better band. Eventually they were able to lure Nicki and JP’s brother Jacki away and started a new band. So many bands in Sweden were doing the same thing, touring England and Germany they decided to venture out to the US and landed a spot on Cruefest. As fate would have it Stevie Rachel of Tuff was dropping off his merch and caught their set. He became their manager and things have taken off since then.
I caught their show at Jones Beach and was blown away. I got to spend some time with the boys after the show. They are truly living the rock and roll dream. Or course success doesn’t come without a price. Their schedule is very demanding. The days that the Poison/Ratt tour is not playing they are booked into smaller clubs which they love. Rockin the people is what they live for. They travel the country in a van (which is a step up from the Silverfish they all lived in in London). They don’t seem to mind though. “As long as these guys have food, booze and cigarettes they’re good to go” according to their tour manager. “We are very used to traveling this way, with no bus and limited resources to make hotel reservations”.
I got a chance to sit down with Lizzy DeVine the lead singer for VOJ. His raspy voice and high energy performance is truly a driving force in this band. “People don’t believe me when I say buy a shirt so we can eat.” “But people have been great to us all over the country, taking us into their homes.” I will always go back to Sweden, my family is there, but it is cold, small and there is nothing to do.” “I love this country, it is my home now and I hope to stay.” Have they had much trouble with the language? Not really. According to Lizzy when you learn a language it is very important to know how to curse properly. As this tour is for all ages he has to tone the rhetoric down from the club act. “If I can’t curse on stage, I spit. I gotta do something!” We chatted a little about memorable shows. “Rocklahoma was great. I love big rock festivals. It’s great they are starting to do that here. In Europe they are all over.” When asked what his favorite show(s) were so far, Lizzy easily replied, “Do you know the House of Blues? We played the ones in Orlando and South Carolina. The people all came out early, so the places were packed and the people were so into it, it was wonderful.”
Having the early slot on the tour does not guarantee an audience. The true test of a band is what they give even to a small crowd as was the case when I saw them at Jones Beach. They rocked the place as if it were packed to capacity. What an amazing show. If you haven’t caught the show yet there is still time. Poison/Ratt tour runs until early Sept. Then soon after Vains of Jenna will be heading back out again to rock you on the Viva LaBands tour. They will be rolling into your town soon so go check them out. You won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by: Kathy F. | September 2007
