Jennifer Tefft knew it was time for a change. She traded her Jennifer Tefft Band in for Jennifer Tefft And the Strange, a new grouping with a bit of an eerie, edgy twist. JTATS just released Strange Beginnings, an eight song document of what that new sound is all about. The eight pieces are startlingly good in their bursting edge and colorful creativity.
A grungy, edgy lead guitar phrase from John Parrillo pushes its way forward with a smacking rhythm section beneath it. Tefft’s crispy vocal pours over it, moving with river energy. “Caffeine” perfectly titles this song of frenetic energy. The musicians form a thick wedge of rushing sound while Tefft moves her vocal with increasing urgency. This one holds the listener’s attention because it has that edge of your seat tension that makes one want to stay for the entire ride.
“Paper Cut” finds Tefft and The Strange slowly, considerately conjuring a haunted vibe. The lead guitar has just enough edge as the music lifts upward with splashes of colors and tones. Tefft shifts dynamics, increasing the listener’s awareness of the dramatic build up. She uses assertive vocals before shifting to intense sustains to suggest the rising tension. Atmospheric guitar weaves a perfect web for Tefft’s daunting vocals to nest in before making their mark once again in the next meter. This one succeeds on vibe.
“Shoulda Known Better” gets its muscle from stabs of groove from Stephen “Sharky” Beccia on bass and drummer Chris Georgenes. Bulbous bass lines and perfectly placed drum fills punctuate this tune chillingly. Tefft belts in step with the tight rhythmic groove, injecting her voice into quick openings. A perfect build up between strident vocal and sparked creativity from a spiraling lead guitar. This one is a perfect march toward an inevitable end, both musically and thematically.
“Lullaby” gives us more Strange grungy lead guitar. It burns it way forward when it’s not subdued, offering atmospheric textures with only a few notes and simple intervals. Tefft’s vocal contains a hint of menace, an icy topping to this creeping groove, expressive lead guitar confection. This one is perfectly concocted to make you stay awake at night, like a good horror story.
A scratchy lead guitar sets the upbeat scene for “Second Chance,” a mid tempo number that feels pretty and positive. Tefft’s softer timbre comes into play here, finessing her lyrical insights with assertive curls of plaintive tenderness. This one feels so right because Tefft & The Strange know how to tickle the soft underbelly of life.
A flinty, well accented electric guitar ushers us into “Down On My Knees,” a slapping groove, snappy guitar number. Tefft works her voice in just the right places, either finding the spaces between the groove or gliding over the melodic line. She’s at her coolest when she matches her vocal jaunts to a tightly punctuated rhythmic line. Everything here jumps at once and that keeps the song in a catchy motion.
A full, blustery lead guitar bursts into “Going Out,” a raucous uptempo number that never runs out of switchy guitar moves or its racing groove. Tefft’s more intense vocal approach rears its head here, assertive singing to match the two fist action of the Strange. This one even has some sweet harmony vocals that actually fit in well with this edgy work.
Close out track “Love And War” cruises through with interesting lead guitar phrasing, wide expansive grinds infused with power. It’s a truly perfect accompaniment to Tefft’s speedy vocal. She’s rocking it with a controlled passion, energy and discipline resulting in a voice that moves like a silk glove on a smooth wooden banister. The rhythm section certainly keeps this one percussive, grooving with a determined punctuation.
Jennifer Tefft has made a wise choice teaming up this band called The Strange. These players flesh out Tefft’s musical and lyrical visions with colors and tones that seem born to surround her voice. Her fetching, intense, and mysterious voice sets the scene for each of her songs. The Strange bring it all to life with such creativity, edge, and verve.
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