Jennifer 8

Named after the Hollywood Thriller of the same name, starring Andy Garcia and Uma Thurman, Jennifer 8 has been around in various incarnations since 1992. Though the band has had a virtual revolving door where the line up is concerned, the core of the band has always been Christopher Murphy and long time friend Michael del Rosario.With a collection of music almost impossible to classify as a whole, Jennifer 8's greatest musical strength has been it's particularly diverse sonic signature. Painting a musical landscape consisting of Jazz, Punk, Funk, R&B, Alternative, Pop and Rock, the music is as catchy as it is eclectic. As you listen to each track from their freshman effort, you'll be hopelessly drawn in. Christopher's plaintive and gorgeous vocals and Michael's stellar guitar work are the true calling card on any Jen 8 track.In Christopher's world, there's a Shakespearian tragedy lurking around every dark corner. But the poetic lyrics never lower or lend themselves to pure self pity, regardless of the subject matter, and Christopher's honesty and the passion of his delivery make even the most melancholy of offerings a guilty pleasure. When Christopher croons "These people don't know me, into my soul -- into this disguise. And I despise these things I do and the times and the girls I say I love you to." in "THESE EMPTY HOURS", or "It hurt me when you said that you don't know me but yet you know my kind. So tell me, what am I, other than a trusting fool and blind." in "MAYBE", you KNOW this guy isn't kidding. Not only will most of you relate to the romantic meltdowns on this CD, but even the ones you've been fortunate enough not to have experienced, you'll have the sensation of being the proverbial fly on the wall and watching an implosion in progress.Though the recurring theme of this CD is love lost and the subsequent break up that follows, this CD is incredibly cohesive and hangs together beautifully. Even as the last haunting notes of strings fade on the final cut, "My Disconnect" (about a man who helps his girlfriend become a superstar, only to be left behind in a Texas trailer park), you'll be left with a strange, satisfying and lasting sense of hope. Make or take the time to give this extraordinary, stand out St. Louis band's CD a listen out! It's definitely a great and worthy effort!www.jennifer8theband.comFor two previously unreleased demos, check out the offical Jen 8 Myspace Music page!www.myspace.com/jennifer8thebandThomas RyanThomas "Lenny" Ryan is the Editor of the new "St. Louis Underground" Fanzine, an upcoming magazine dedicated to the local St, Louis music scene. He can be reached at [email protected]