Jenny And The Felines

New Jersey-based Jenny & The Felines are a female-fronted rock band formed by Jenny Cat, a graduate of Berklee College Of Music. The cat-obsessed group has recently released their 2013 debut album, Don’t Look Back, a rock and roll mix of ’60s and ’70s music with a nod to modern alt rock.

The title-track opens the record as an empowering anthem of getting over a past lover, and contains fierce vocals and guitars. An especially ’60s-ish song, “Boston” is breezy and sung in a bluesy voice that is raw yet feminine, like Janis Joplin’s but softer. “Alive” is noticeably darker, as it’s about a girl finally giving up on attempting to attract the attention of a man who would never love her back.

On “Bleed For You,” Jenny Cat really demonstrates her singing ability, reaching high and low notes and transitioning between them with ease. Although the songs are meant to sound like those of yesteryear, sometimes it becomes a bit much. An example of this is “Wanna Be Yours,” which ends up resembling whiny ’80s pop. The closer, “Watched You Go,” starts off with a plucky guitar and is reminiscent of The Bangles, with the casualness of The Beach Boys.

Don’t Look Back is a respectable debut album, with themes of unrequited love and, like the title implies, strictly moving forward. The no-fuss release is simultaneously retro and modern, but occasionally seems like it has all been heard before. Jenny & The Felines show promise, and really are a throwback to the great rock and roll of the past. They looked back, and it works.

In A Word: Vintage

—by Claudia Morello, February 12, 2014 - The Aquarian Weekly

Will somebody tip off Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens to Jenny & the Felines? Chances are, he’d appreciate the aesthetic on "Don’t Look Back" — and the band’s economy, too. The Raritan trio draws from the many of the same sources that have inspired the Smithereens over the years: classic ’60s pop and soul, girl groups and vintage soundtracks, noir fiction and romances, and pre-Beatles rock ’n’ roll of the Chirping Crickets variety. In diner-jukebox style, the Felines play it tight, rarely pushing their songs past the three-minute mark. Frontwoman Jenny Cat keeps the songcraft sturdy and succinct, emphasizing lively melodic phrases, singalong choruses and smart lyrics about the challenges of grown-up romantic relationships. As is often true about power-pop albums, "Don’t Look Back" is frontloaded: The title track, the follow-up "The Worst Kind" and the swinging, bottom-heavy "I Hope She Knows" is a winning opening flurry, reminiscent of Cheap Trick, the Bangles, and newer Jersey bands such as the Candy Hearts. The back half of the album gets repetitive, and the de rigueur period reverb works against the crispness of the band’s songs. But if you appreciate Jersey pop-rock revivalists like the Grip Weeds, the Anderson Council and the Black Hollies, you’re likely to find "Don’t Look Back" another history lesson well worth hearing.
— Tris McCall - The Star Ledger - Tris McCall

Keep your eye on Jen Ketrow, (Jenny Cat).

The Raritan native writes books, jingles and she’s the frontperson for Jenny and the Felines.

It’s a power-pop sound with plenty of pep that Jenny and the Felines play. It’s a far-out, groovy kind of thing – the type of music you’ll remember when you least expect it and you’ll be glad you did. Mike Wojik, drums, and Liz Gonzalez, bass, are also in the band. Influences include the sound of a new can-opener, they say. - Asbury Park Press

This power pop-rock trio from New Jersey seem to have a real monopoly on straight-up fun’n’catchy rock’n’roll. There’s a delightfully happy and infectious go-for-it spirit evident in the springy guitars, buzzing basslines, and dynamic full-speed-ahead jumpin’ drums that’s sure to make you bob your head up and down in cheery appreciation. The exuberant vocals likewise score a joyful bull’s eye. Nicely concise and to the point songwriting, too. A hugely enjoyable album. - Jersey Beat

New Jersey has long since been the home of some incredible popular music. Sinatra, Springsteen, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Gar Francis, The Smithereens and The Grip Weeds. We can now add to this list. From Raritan, New Jersey-I don’t know where it is either,-come Jenny And The Felines, a way cool, alternative pop band who cite The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Buddy Holly as influences. Singer, song writer. guitarist, Jenny Cat-ok, getting a little weird-leads us on a journey through her mind, and it is not such a bad trip.

j&f1Their July 2013 release, Don’t Look Back, an ironic title for a band that draws so heavily from 1960′s pop/rock music, nails it. The title track opens the album with wonderfully 1960′s harmonies, great transitions, and a cool hook. “The Worst Kind” has a great chorus, a bridge that incorporates a change in tempo, and keys that simulate horns, all within a sweet melody. “I Hope She Knows” offers a nice bass line and cool drum shots. “Boston” has a countryfied feel, a wonderful early Eagles groove, with its laid back pop sentiment, a nice and easy flow and multi-track guitars. The layered vocals of “Mommy” add to the super cool, 1970′s John Cafferty feel. Great guitar picking highlights “Alive“, with its ongoing drum rolls and shots, and a beautifully tender melody line. “Bleed For You“, a pop/rock tune has a completely different sensibility, reminiscent of The Go-Gos. The up tempo “Tangerine“, blends power pop with psych rock. There are changes in tempo and time signature with great transitions that make me wish it was 2 minutes longer. Way cool tune. “Wanna Be Yours“, has wonderful structure, with a key change, ongoing riff, some great drum rolls leading into the chorus, and a 60′s girl band feel. The album closes with “Watched You Go“, delivering wonderfully subtle harmonies, a beautiful chorus and a warm, understated organ that fades out amid some very cool drum shots.

j&f4This band rocks. This band rolls. Jenny And The Felines does it all. Don’t Look Back is a wondrous compilation of memorable tunes with catchy hooks and melodies. They have created a unique blend of 1960′s and 1970′s music with an alternative edge. The songs all fall within the 2-3 minute range, and contain simple, straightforward yet meaningful lyrics. Jenny Cat writes amazing tunes, with insanely good choruses. The guitar solos and riffs are short, precise and intense. This woman can write songs. This woman can sing. This woman can play guitar. Simple music. Great songs. Nothing forced and nothing overwhelming. Don’t Look Back is a way cool 60′s feel good journey. Listen and then listen again. Once is definitely not enough. One of the most exciting albums I have heard in a long, long time. Destined to be on the short list for I Can’t Believe My Earz Album Of The Year. - Bobby Gottesman