Jennifer Lyn & the Groove Revival — “Retrograde” — J&R Collective
In the world of astrology, a planet is called retrograde when it appears to be moving backward, even though it is still moving forward.
In the musical universe illuminated by Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival, a bright new star of an album called “Retrograde” appears to move back in time for inspiration, only to leap forward with the raw energy of electrifying rock and blues music. The ten sharply original songs here are by Lyn and lead guitarist Richard Torrance, who produced the session together.
The Revival’s music channels the spirit of great ’70s rock and classic blues riffs into a collection of smartly written songs that move from anthemic rock to blues ballads magnified through the lens of Lyn’s soul-stirring vocals. Jim Anderson on drums, Barb Jiskra on keys, and Nolyn Falcon on bass complete the Revival’s musical template.
A roaring “Light the Fire” ignites the proceedings as if lighting a fiery beacon for what’s to come while Lyn powers through the anthemic lyrics punctuated by stinging guitar: “In the darkness where our secrets lie / Whispered dreams in the midnight air / We’ll ignite a little spark in the dark … light the fire.” Next, “Searching for Solid Ground” turns introspective behind a rock-solid beat: “I’m lost in the whispers of my own mind / I’m tired of just walking around half blind … I’m searching for solid ground.” A bluesy intro welcomes “Sucker for the Pain,” with Lyn’s scorching vocals flowing over the proverbial needle and the damage done: “It’s like a needle in the vein / It ain’t the world gone wrong / You’re just a sucker for the pain.”
The flowing rhythms of “Refuge” highlight Lyn’s soaring vocal turn in the sensitive ballad, sparked by razor-sharp guitar licks: “Cause if the walls start falling down / And there’s no one else around / And I’m standing at your door / Will you be the refuge … For my soul?” Sensuous percussion leads into the sexual toughness of “Do Bad Things to You,” filled with just that desire: “There are things that you do / That make me want to / I want to do bad things to you.” A smooth, gently rocking ballad, “Soul Saver,” gives Lyn a chance to stretch out against jazzy organ and liquid guitar runs: “I was lost, but not anymore / You’re a soul saver / Now I see what I’m here for.”
Second-line rhythms unpack the self-awareness of “Baggage,” as Lyn claims her independence: “You’ve got baggage / Lots of baggage / As much as I’ll miss your lovely face / Your baggage won’t fit in my suitcase.”
Lyn is re-possessed with confidence in the hard-driving “’59 Cadillac,” as she takes the wheel: “He said he’s leaving / Going with the guys … I don’t care if he’s coming back / I got his ‘59 Cadillac.” The joyous refrains of “Breaking Chains” are another bid for personal freedom as Lyn declares “I’ve got a pocket full of money / And nothing but time / I’m done with gritting my teeth / Instead of speaking my mind.” The closer “Do It All Again,” strikes a passionately pensive note, working to a rousing climax that voices no regrets for loving hard: “I’m just the dreamer who got nothing in return / Standing in the ashes where our love burned / If I could do it all again / I would.”
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival have reached a back to the future moment where they reach deep into the glorious past of rock and blues, and bring them together to keep moving forward in “Retrograde.” You’ll want to be a part of their stellar musical orbit.
Track Listing:
- Light The Fire
- Searching For Solid Ground
- Sucker For The Pain
- Refuge
- Do Bad Things To You
- Soul Saver
- Baggage
- ’59 Cadillac
- Breaking Chains
- Do It All Again
Blues Roadhouse 