Kickstand Jenny Plays Between the Lies

One way to kick off the summer is with Kickstand Jenny’s new album, Between the Lies. The Florida grown band’s latest record is set to release on June 9, and is sure to stir up some major buzz, for new and old fans alike. 

This 10-track concept album explores a wide range of genres, from rock, country, punk and even some noticeable pop flair. Navigating the treacherous waters of love and loss, Between the Lies takes listeners through both the joys and trials of losing yourself to love and then finding your voice, once again. 

In describing the more expansive theme of the record, the band credits their inspiration to be “the death of live music” due to the impact of COVID-19 and the will to carry on and rebuild, in its aftermath. 

The second track off the record, “Standing In the Doorway” immediately captures the senses and envelopes listeners from its start. The song dives into the sting of heartbreak, while drawing a clear line between letting a connection consume you and fighting to take your power back. The chorus plays “I’m standing in the doorway/With nothing left to give/You’ve taken me for granted/For all I ever did/The choice is never easy/But the choice is yours to make/I’m standing in the doorway/And my heart is yours to break.” Edgy and real, this song definitely sets the tone for what’s to come. 

Moving on to “Solo” a punk rock-centric track, featuring Mark Slaughter, singer and founder of glam metal band, Slaughter. It plays “I lift you up/And you bring me down/Like a seesaw on a children’s playground/You breathe the air/The same air I breathe/And there’s not enough for you and me.” The song includes a killer guitar solo and brings enough passion to make you think about going “solo” for yourself. 

Rounding down the track list is “Take Me Back To The Time.” Despite its fun and lighthearted melody, this song speaks to the deep longing for the love that you’ve lost along the way. It goes on, “Hey, I still believe/In everything you said/Before the broken hearts/And broken promises/If you still believe/In fate and destiny/Than let me be more/than just your memory.” Combining a true sense of nostalgia and yearning for happier times, this track is the perfect for rolling down the windows and blasting your sorrows. 

“Only Love Can Break Your Heart” ends the album on a serious high note. The track, featuring Rascal Flatts drummer, Jim Riley, gives listeners something to dance to and words to think about. It croons, “Trust in me my darlin/For together we are strong/You are all I live for/I would never do you wrong/She done foolin with my head/she took possession of my heart/Now I’m standing all alone here/And my world just fell apart.” A true country jam, you’ll be singing this song long after its finished playing. 

Along with these highlighted hits, the album features an amazing mashup of genres with songs like country style, “Never Gonna Let You Go,” soft and smooth “One More Day,” and an inventive take on “Jumpin Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. Produced by Chas Sandford,

Between The Lies pours with a strong hand and keeps pace with Kickstand Jenny’s a cool, rock vibe. 

Coming off the album release, the group has plenty of live show dates on the horizon, no doubt a lineup fans won’t want to miss.

Reviewed by Francesca Creavey