It’s tough to nail down exactly what makes Jennifer Tefft’s latest single, “Love and War,” so magical. Seriously, folks, it’s a barnstormer of indie rock energy that bounces from one emotional peak to another, all the while sketching a bright and complex portrait of the crazy dance between fire and calm in relationships.
We’re still reeling from her impressive win as the ‘Female Performer of the Year’ at the New England Music Awards, and now she’s gone and hurled this absolute gem our way. “Love and War” whiffs of the exciting new shades we can expect in her upcoming sixth album. This track has Tefft wading into the messy waters of love – showcasing a relationship that’s teeming with passion but also burdened with the hefty weight of maintaining a long-distance affair. Worst bit? Her guy’s a disaster at keeping in touch.
Musically, this piece is a delicate blend of dreamy effortlessness and laser-focused craftsmanship. Those thunderous toms and searing strings weave a rich, broad canvas that is as pulse-pounding as it is emotionally exhausting. There’s a real streak of energy buzzing about, lighting up the atmosphere and hooking you right into those gripping three-and-a-half minutes. And oh, can we talk about Tefft’s vocals? Raw, genuine, just oozing authenticity – a real high-point transporting the narrative of the song right at ya.
Let’s doff a hat for producer Munk Duane, who has spun this into an aural feast that has your ears pinned from the get-go. And Hans DeKline? Mastering this piece into a clear, crisp and powerful journey that neatly delivers Tefft’s heartfelt sentiments.
What’s cool is that Jennifer shakes up her crew a little. We’ve got Chris Georgenes on the skins and Stephen Beccia grooving on the bass and backing vocals. Coupled with the rock-steady John Parrillo, they lighten up as the fresher and more energetic Jennifer Tefft & The Strange. This shift is evident in “Love and War,” with a punchy, well-coordinated performance that keeps echoing in your head long after the final notes have faded.
You know, on hearing “Love and War,” you’re swept into this fleeting universe, a lush mix of love’s intoxicating sweetness savoured with the bitter scraps of hopeless chats. Despite its indie rock roots, there’s a high-flying quality to the tune that rounds it to the masses. It’s a sure-shot sign of Tefft’s unyielding talent to engage, surprise, and keep pushing her own boundaries.
So here’s a cheer for Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, charting their own path through the choppy waves of indie rock like it’s a walk in the park. Soaring above the ordinary, striding over the great divide between victory and disaster, their music resonates with a deep-seated yearning and the promise of epic tunes yet to come. For now, though, let’s drown in “Love and War” – a stellar serving of indie-rock brilliance. But let’s not forget: it’s perfectly imperfect as it should be – just like the best love stories. Do you get me?
Follow the group on Website, Facebook, Bandcamp, YouTube and Instagram.
