The latest album release from Kickstand Jenny brings out old and new school power rock that is influenced and inspired by classic rock from different decades and all raveled up into one massive record that comes through so satiating and fulfilling that by the end, you want to just take a few minutes to finish soaking it in.
The Between The Lines record is packed with a few things that make it really a cut above the rest and one of those things is heart and the other one is character.
Within the span of 10 songs, these guys managed to touch on everything from pop rock, alternative rock, classic rock, and power rock and it's all done with such energy that it feels like it was recorded live on the floor because everyone's energies are just feeding off each other the entire time.
This aspect alone gives the record such an alive and breathing sensation that you can't turn away from it.
Another thing that I love about this record is even the songs that really rock hard come from someplace genuine and you can tell that a lot of this is real and not just pulled out of thin air which to me, is a very important aspect when creating a record that people are supposed to really get something from.
The guitar tones are super on point throughout the entire release and there are more than a few hooks and choruses that stick in your head for hours after the record has ended.
The only way to really satiate something like that is to listen to it again and to me that's just smart songwriting.
When you're done listening to this record you absolutely want to see these guys live in your face because if that kind of energy is captured on recording, then a live performance must be awesome.
A lot of these songs give you a sense of nostalgia because they have this aesthetic of a cross between '80s and '90s half the time in terms of the approach to the songwriting and the soundscape of everything.
This is a time. I grew up listening to really great rock music and these guys really took those aspects and turned it into something that is all their own.
They breed their own atmosphere with their songs and everything is really packed with presence and persona.
After talking about all the different subgenres of rock these guys touch on I think I just figured out what I would coin them as.
Arena Rock.
This band captures the very soul of what arena rock was and is all about and it's all done naturally.
Everything feels good when you listen to it and these are songs that you can rock out to, dance around the living room and sing along, or headbang with.
Either way, you're having a damn good time cranking this record and it is this true all the way from beginning to end.
This is definitely an album that has more than a few singles that stand on their own two feet very well; however, listening to the full album as a whole is definitely the way to go here.
I think that's the way it was meant to be soaked in.
With the release of such a killer record, we wanted to have a sit-down with Kickstand Jenny to find out where this record actually came from and what might be coming up next for them.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Between the Lies album! This record was anthemic and huge with a killer sonic presence! How did this release come about?
When live music got shut down from the pandemic, I (Preston) was able to finish a compilation album I was working on. The album itself plays like a story if you listen through. It plays like the end of a relationship, but in reality, the songs are about the music itself. Specifically, where my head was at that time. I was dealing with a lot of burnout and had some doubt about wanting to continue to play.
So, I contacted my friend and legendary producer, Chas Sandford to see about working at his studio in Nashville for a while. I went into the studio thinking I was going to make some demos for distribution deals, but as we went along the album really started to take shape. We contacted another legendary friend, Mark Slaughter (Slaughter) to see if he would lend his vocals on a song. Then, we contacted Jim Riley (Rascal Flatts) to lend his drumming talents on a track. Finally, we were able to recruit the amazing talents of Scott Foster Harris from L.A. Guns. After Scott heard what we were working on, he decided to join the band and help us finish the project. Two years later, we have a record deal with Spectra Music Group and an amazing new album that we are all very proud of.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
I have been playing in bands for many years and have always been very lucky to find myself working with amazing people. I just kept playing and have always taken the lead in making things happen. But I have always had great people around me. This is just another creation I have been lucky to be in.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
As a guitar player, I used to write around guitar riffs. As I have evolved, I tend to write around melodies. Lately, I have been inspired by everyday things... You can literally watch the news, or drive to a public place, and have plenty of songwriting inspiration.
Buzz Slayers: This record has some great approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
My biggest influence was always Van Halen. I don't try to write like them, because who can play that stuff!! But the influence has always been there. They really were the creators of Melodic hard rock. And the added virtuoso guitar work is an added bonus.
Buzz Slayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
We all have jobs, so that is mostly what we do. Ha! But I love spending time with my family, and we all have good social lives, so you will find us hanging on the beach, or having a cookout.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your all headphones right now?
I am all over the place, which is probably why the album is so diverse! Right now, I am digging Shinedown, NEEDTOBREATHE, WVH Mammoth, Brad Paisley.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes. We have shows here and there, but currently working on a tour, with some festival shows sprinkled in.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio, or do you have a home studio set-up?
We recorded everything at a nice studio in Nashville, Tennessee. We are working on some material to record soon at a big "Atmos" studio in Indiana. That will be fun.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Currently working on the next album and hope to have it done by next year. Also, we will be working on some tours. Our label has some pretty big acts they have signed, so hopefully we can get on some tours with those other artists!!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We are so excited and humbled to be doing what we love. For anyone looking to support us, you can find everything Kickstand Jenny through our website. Feel free to stop by, sign up to our newsletter, pick up some merch, follow us on our social media pages, Spotify, YouTube, etc... Help us get the word out.