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Jenn
Kitten Has The Makings Of A Rockstar
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Kerri
Kanelos
June
6th 2003 |
{Rating}
|
 Jenn
Kitten, a folk punkrock singer/songwriter
based out of Rhode Island, released her anticipated
full length album "sparkling personality
disorder" earlier this week. After a
rather successful gig as the lead singer of
former punk band Screw Kitten, Jenn began
a solo career that heads in a completely different
musical direction. Although many of her songs
speak of romance, heartbreak and the human
condition, Jenn's solo work on her demo and
the new album do not create your average love
song collection. Each song is equally full
of spark, anger and emotion, with a slight
twist of her previous punk experiences.
On Wednesday
night, the intimate setting of Kamp's lounge
area provided the perfect setting for Jenn
to debut the entirety of her new acoustic
album to a small crowd of fans and newcomers
alike. Although the audience only contained
a handful of people at the beginning of the
performance, Jenn Kitten commanded everyone's
attention like a true rockstar in front of
a sold out crowd.
Jenn began the performance with "Crazy,"
a feel good, quick paced song that has all
the potential of becoming a sing-a-long for
fans. "Smokey Rooms," "Inoperable
Dream" and other new tracks are well
written with equally complimentary guitar
components.
"I'll
Never Have To Take Exit 11 Again" and
"Anything You Need," selections
from Jenn Kitten's five-song demo disc, were
big hits with the crowd. I even caught a few
people lip-syncing along with these tunes
without missing a beat.
Another high point of the performance occurred
when Jenn traded in her acoustic for a sleek
black electric guitar during "Going To
The Metal Show," a bonus track on her
new album. Compared to the other selections
of the night, the audience really enjoyed
the velocity and change in tune of this song.
However, her
greatest triumph during this performance and
on this album is "Sometimes-Fun-Disaster"-a
raspy, raw confession about wanting what you
can't have and going for it despite the outcome.
Even two days after the performance, the lyrics
to this song continue to swirl through my
head. Its catchy lyrics, addictive guitar
riffs and superb performance combine to create
a hit. I will not be surprised if this song
reaches local airplay and launches an entirely
new set of possibilities and audiences for
this artist. Much like the style of many Ani
DiFranco songs, Jenn seizes "Sometimes-Fun-Disaster"
by the balls and sings her heart out. Her
passion for her music truly shows during this
track.
Despite difficulties
with the sound system, Jenn Kitten's personality
and easygoing stage presence kept the audience
interested throughout the technical adjustments.
Jenn always appeared comfortable on the stage
and through her interactions with the crowd
as well.
I feel that
Jenn Kitten's songwriting, guitar work and
live performance skills are impeccable. With
further vocal training, or maybe longer sessions
to warm up her vocal chords before each performance,
Jenn Kitten has the opportunity to use her
throaty skills to further enhance her songs
and make her fans swoon.
Kamp, an alternative
lifestyles club set in the basement of the
Foundry building, began its "Bands That
Rock" series with Jenn Kitten's performance.
Every Wednesday night at 8pm, the club's lounge
will stage regional talent in an effort to
promote local music.
Jenn Kitten
is scheduled to perform this Sunday at The
Blackstone in Cumberland as well as at Rhode
Island's Pridefest on June 21st at Providence's
Station Park.
This article was previously
published on www.lovethyjob.com |
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