While it took some doing, Seattle’s Jaws Of Brooklyn have hit on exactly who they are: a stage-born identity that’s equal parts Motown hooks, Muscle Shoals soul and Pacific Northwest grit. That realization was precipitated by the arrival of new lead vocalist Gretchen Lemon—and it’s documented quite effectively on Unstoppable (Weekend Furlough). Recorded in Florence, Ala., with Grammy winner Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes), the band’s new EP thrives on contrast, its vintage vibes bristling with a contemporary energy punctuated by mixing help from Andy Park (Deep Sea Diver).
Here’s more on Unstoppable from guitarist Bryan Cohen.
1) “Where Are You?”
“Somewhere along the line, the Rolling Stones’ ‘Miss You’ and ‘Emotional Rescue’ got a bad rap. We love both of those tracks and wanted to put our spin on a stone-cold disco beat in this tale of a couple indulging in the all-day, all-night life together. Our keyboardist, Dana Dysart, layered on several old-school synthesizers. The breakdown gives Dana, bassist Paul Christofferson and drummer Zia Uddin all a chance to shine. Lust, devotion and the dance floor. What could be better?
2) “Lie To Me”
“‘Lie To Me’ is about the otherworldly feeling of knowing that you and your lover aren’t connecting anymore and are stuck miles apart. The protagonist knows they’re not getting what they need, but it’s too painful to confront. The music is inspired by Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).’ The idea was always to have lots of vocals and keep the music sparse but groovy and danceable. Lyrically, it’s the opposite of ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’—a joyous ode to sweet denial.”
3) “Unstoppable”
“‘I’m possible because I’m unstoppable,’ sings Gretchen—and she means it. Set to a slinky soul groove with stabbing guitars and a B3, the lyrics are defiant: ‘I won’t roll over/I won’t go away./I’m ready to fight.’ The track also features a cool call-and-response vocal where Gretchen sings, ‘I keep on keep on moving.’”
4) “Up All Nite”
“This was the first thing written for this new set of songs … the Supremes meets the ‘60s fraternity house … ‘Louie Louie’ with a few twists. The intro is inspired by ‘Let’s Dance,’ and the chorus pays homage to the Stones’ ‘Get Off Of My Cloud.’ The lyrics tell the story of having two lovers—being with one and thinking of the other, feeling guilty but wanting to have fun. The singer knows there are consequences, but damn, she’s having fun being in the moment. We call the intro drums to the song the ‘party beat.’ Join us.”
5) “Summer We Forgot”
“This is the most romantic song of the set. It’s about reconnecting with your lover, telling them all the things you like about them and admitting the things that you were wrong about. Dana plays organ, Wurly piano and Mellotron on the track, while I add a George Harrison-inspired guitar break. In the second verse, co-writer Chyee Howell and I rhyme ‘taking time for all that could be’ with ‘believe in our compatibility.’ It’s a real stretch to make it work, but Gretchen sings it like a pro.”
6) “Done With You”
“The lyrics speak for themselves, and the sentiment is universal. Who isn’t fed up with a friend, a lover, an elected official? Before we play it live, we ask the audience to shout out who they’re done with at the end of the song. It’s always a cathartic and fun moment. The song is built around a four-note guitar riff and features all the Jaws Of Brooklyn hallmarks: sassy background vocals, a percussion breakdown, killer organ playing and punchy guitar to move the song along.”
7) “Kiss Me”
“This one took a minute to finish. The lyrical idea is the protagonist asking if a relationship is going to go to the next level. They admit they’re a Gemini and given to changing their mind, so the other person needs to make up their mind quick. The main riff is a slab of ’70s-inspired riffage … And, yes, I said riff twice.”
See Jaws Of Brooklyn live.
