Pigpen Jonez - Livin’ in Delafly
Pigpen Jonez is a retro alternative rock group made up of Glen Valentino and John Noonan from Schenectady, New York. Pigpen Jonez has a distinctive sound and Valentino and Noonan are longtime friends with many years of experience working together in music - which truly shows in the high quality of the group’s songs. Today we take a listen to the latest EP from Pigpen Jonez, Livin’ in Delafly, which has the subtext of being just “Side 1” to this story.
“Today” kicks Livin’ in Delafly off and is also the longest track on the EP. The track really gets things going from the outset with a sound that reminds me of The Beatles meets The Violent Femmes, capitalizing on familiar lyrical and melodic choices while still providing a unique spin that is distinctly Pigpen Jonez’s own. “Today” really resonates with its polished up take on an old school style of rock song and if the guys in Pigpen Jonez wanted to start off their EP with a memorable track, they really hit the mark with this gem of a song.
“On the Hill” follows and this track provides a powerful sense of urgency while laying down a funky groove. The bassline really drives this track home, laying things down in a funky and enjoyable way while still providing that previously mentioned feeling of urgency. Lyrically, we are taken through injustices that occur on the titular “hill” and in this regard, the song has a darkness that matches the urgency of the instrumental portion of the song; on their website, the group describes this song as being about low income neighborhoods and I believe the lyrics share the group’s thoughts and experiences around the subject matter in a meaningful and memorable way.
When it comes to “Delafly (Mix 2)”, the third track on the EP, I feel like this is the point where Pigpen Jonez really hit their stride. Not only do we get to experience the song where the EP derives its name from, we also get to experience a track that will make you want to get up and dance. This up-tempo groove-filled gem of a track describes “a place where people are sent after they fall off the righteous path” in a way that reminds me of The Eagles’ legendary track, “Hotel California”, though “Delafly (Mix 2)” seems to be embracive towards the fate it describes. This song is both energetic and groovy and I believe it is a striking example of the raw artistry Pigpen Jonez is capable of.
Glen Valentino
John Noonan
“Superstar” slows things down, providing a more bluesy vibe than the previous songs on Livin’ in Delafly. Like the other songs on the EP, “Superstar” has meaningful and relatable lyrics, though this song certainly comes off as more personal by tackling the nature of depression and finding self-worth amidst tough times. Instrumentally, this track features exceptional guitar work that really helps to set the mood and drive the emotions described by the lyrics beautifully; guest musician, guitarist Greg DeLuis, provided the excellent lead guitar work and should absolutely be commended for adding life and passion to an already deep song.
“High Way Home” ends Livin’ in Delafly and is the shortest track on the EP. This track features the most raw jazz approach on the EP, featuring even more groovy bass work as well as some gritty lead notes provided by guest guitarist Tim Butler. Guest lead vocalist Talia Kudan’s addition to this song really added a delightful change-up from the rest of the EP while also cementing the fact that Pigpen Jonez is a group made up of musicians who are truly talented artists who have a great understanding and mastery of their craft. “High Way Home” is yet another great example of how Pigpen Jonez is able to capture the essence of a familiar sound and own it as their own.
You really get a good understanding of the artistic prowess that the members of Pigpen Jonez bring to the table through Livin’ in Delafly. From front to back, this EP is memorable and emotive, filled with relatable lyrics and easy to dance to grooves. You can find out more about Pigpen Jonez through their website and we have the entirety of Livin’ in Delafly embedded below for your listening pleasure! Keep in mind, this is only “Side 1” of Livin’ in Delafly - let’s hope we get a sequel soon!
