Revulva: Revulva (digital outlets)

Even more so than “pop” or “rock” -- and vastly more than “reggae” -- the word jazz is immune to easy definition. It contains multitudes. 

The form known as jazz has been around more than a century and is constantly changing shape, drawing more threads into its complex weave and is as comfortable at adopting world music as it is assimilating aspects of hip-hop, soul, rock and whatever else is out there.

It has also been a vehicle for social and political comment.

Lead by bassist/singer/composer Phoebe Johnson, this young, eight-piece jazz-schooled band from Wellington bring a female-forward perspective to socially conscious songs which take on an uncommitted lover, road rage, landlords, sexual desire and more.

But these lyrics – stinging, wry or ironic – come with smooth, slinky arrangements for horns, Wurlitzer, guitar and a rhythm section, which nudge Revulva closer to Steely Dan, Studio 54 disco-soul, LA street funk and sensual R'n'B strutting.

Johnson delivers her lyrics with a coquettish purr or a knowing seduction which run cleverly contrary to their bite.

Not often you hear polished, sophisticated jazz with a woman mimicking an orgasm (the lusty Bush Bash opening with “I'm feeling itchy”), shaving pubic hair, the chugging 1970s sound of Heroin Chic about exploitive capitalism (“roll up my sleeves, get exactly what I need”) and the claustrophobia of relationships in a small failing town (This Town). Or a metaphor of a solitary male gannet on Mana Island (“no mates, no mates”).

This is jazz and very different, but of these times.

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here

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REVULVA TOUR

Space Academy, Christchurch, Oct 31; Yours, Dunedin, Nov 1; secret garden gig, Hāwea Flat, Wānaka (address released to ticket holders upon purchase); The Yard, Raglan, Nov 7; Neck of the Woods, Auckland, Nov 9; Porridge Watson, Whanganui, Nov 16; San Fran, Wellington, Nov 23