Spectra

After returning to the studio with New Truth (2020) producer Kevin Ratterman (Jim James, Emma Ruth Rundle), Jenny O. re-emerges three years later with similarly diffident, stylistically playful indie pop/rock on her fourth album, Spectra. Technically a pandemic album but not promoted as such, it captures the songwriter exploring her inner thoughts and related subjects like self-perception, love, and usefulness. Recorded with the skeleton crew of Ratterman and drummer Josh Adams, the album features Ognibene on a wide range of instruments, including guitar, bass, synthesizers, and, on the first track, "Pleasure in Function," a Hammond B-3 organ. That songs reverent opening chords highlight serenely delivered lyrics that enumerate various pleasures, as if in tribute ("kindness," "nature," "you"). Later adding components such as strings, vibraphone, and a theatrical rhythm section, the track goes on to contemplate change -- as part of a conscientious process. She follows that with the bouncier but still reflective "You Are Loved Eternally," which touches on jangle and Beatlesque psychedelia before picking up the tempo for "Advice at a Dinner Party," a bittersweet low-key-synth-pop jam. Still lost in rumination, it offers soft-spoken familiar themes like "I spend my days here working on my concept" and "What Ive found is nothing is forever" alongside a dancing bassline. Stylistically, other tracks delve into plodding new wave ("The Natural World," which incorporates nature recordings), riffy, driving indie rock ("Solitary Girl"), ethereal keyboard pop ("Saint of Fun and Weirdo"), and more, including the 90-second chant interlude "There Is a Club" ("I am not in it"). Although Jenny O. never leaves her own head on Spectra, the ease with which she marries insecurity and philosophical nuance with breezy melodies, hooks, and softness here makes it a pleasure to visit. ~ Marcy Donelson