The new release from this San Francisco-based group (yes, Jen Black and Aja Blue are their real names) showcases their ample pop writing chops, primarily, as well as a slick recording. The guitars are out front with the vocals, all of which propel the music forward in a very driving and melodic fashion. There is certainly a lot of the 80’s in evidence, as well as some Sleater-Kinney, Veruca Salt, and a bit of the poppier side of Liz Phair. What makes them stand apart from other groups of the genre are the non-generic melodic vocal lines, imminently hummable without being utterly predictable, not an easy thing to do, and perhaps a result of their years honing their quieter side as an acoustic duo. It transfers nicely to distorted guitars and a driving backbeat, especially on tunes like “Wake Up” and the aptly titled “Black and Blue.”
--William Carey
