Jaws of Brooklyn, the Seattle-based band known for their infectious blend of 60s-inspired garage rock and soulful grooves, release their latest single, ‘Lie to Me,’ today. Produced by Grammy Award-winning Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes), the single further cements the band’s knack for combining retro vibes with raw emotional narratives.
‘Lie to Me’ is a bittersweet anthem about the painful reality of an unraveling long-distance relationship, yet both parties are too hesitant to confront the truth. Instead, the singer begs to keep the illusion alive, asking, “Lie to me, keep telling me it’ll work.” The song’s relatable theme captures the heartache of clinging to a fading connection but still holding onto the hope that it could somehow survive.
Written by the band and Chyee Howell, instrumentally, ‘Lie to Me’ delivers an infectious groove, inspired by Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered,’ but with a twist. Where Wonder’s classic exudes joy and resolution, ‘Lie to Me’ is a joyous ode to sweet denial. With its sparse yet danceable arrangement, the track opens with a descending fuzz-guitar riff, retro keys, and handclaps, giving The Jaws of Brooklyn lead singer Gretchen Lemon’s vocals room to soar. The verses feature playful staccato bursts, while the chorus locks into a deep groove, inviting listeners straight to the dance floor.
“We wanted the track to feel fun and liberating, even though it’s about a tough subject,” says Bryan Cohen (guitar). “The key was to keep it simple and let the power of the voices and melody shine.”
The song crescendos during the bridge with a chant-like refrain, “L.I.E. to me,” bolstered by the dynamic background vocals of Shanay Johnson and Karita Law, frequent collaborators with Brittany Howard. This vocal powerhouse pairing, who also appeared on The Jaws of Brooklyn’s earlier hit “Fever,” adds an R&B-meets-Fleetwood Mac vibe, making the song a standout in their catalog.
‘Lie to Me’ has already become a fan favorite at live shows, often prompting audiences to sing along and dance. “It’s instantly recognizable, and people always ask us about it after the set,” says Lemon.
