The UnderCoverGirls

The Players: Jessica Pennington, lead vocals; Sylvie LaCroix, guitar, vocals; Liza Sanchez, bass, vocals; Julie Dolan, keyboards, harmonica, bongos, vocals; Tris Cassel, drums, vocals.

Material: Playing an array of rock hits from the 60’s to the present, The UnderCoverGirls are the ultimate party band. And, though they play covers, there’s so much talent in this group that they give each song a fresh interpretation – one that’s familiar yet new. In fact, at times their versions are better than the originals.

Musicianship: Each of the girls is a top-notch player and together they have a formidable sound. They’ve got all the riffs and attitude you expect in a cover band but they also up the ante with searing solos and alternating leads – both vocally and instrumentally. The standouts are LaCroix, who’s a blistering guitarist, and the multi-talented Dolan, who instills a smoldering sensuality into each and every song.

Performance: Hot chicks, hot songs and a blazing stage show made for a tasty treat. This group could heat up the coldest night and melt the hardest of hearts. Their wanton abandon got the crowd on such an intense buzz that it caused a contact high. In fact, the place was rockin’ so hard it even seduced patrons from Hooters across the street. The only disappointment (at this gig) was that the girls had to turn down their sound rather than playing at 11, where they usually reside.

Summary: The UnderCoverGirls are a pro kick-ass act and it’s a great chance for fans to get rowdy and recall when rock was rebellious, sexy and more than a little naughty. This band could also be a hit at corporate events or, for that matter, any party you want to jack up with not only ear candy, but eye candy as well.
---Bernard Baur
- Music Connection Magazine

The UnderCoverGirls put a fresh, original spin on a variety of rock hits spanning the 60s on. This five-member band delivered a non-stop, high-energy performance through a 45-minute set. The act blazed through a number of songs including The Romantics’ "What I like about You," Elton John’s "Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting," Blondie’s "One Way or Another," Rolling Stones’ "Honky Tonk Woman"; Three Dog Night’s "Mamma Told Me Not to Come," Steppenwolf’s "Born to Be Wild," Pat Benatar’s "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," and Dusty Springfield’s "Son of a Preacher Man." Each tune was done of the level of stadium/arena rock caliber. Out of the ten songs, two stood out the most: Nancy Sinatra’s "These Boots are Made for Walking" and Wing’s "Live and Let Die." The first took the go-goish number to another level with a fierce, driving rock and punk beat supplied by Sylvie LaCroix, the lead guitarist. LaCroix gave the song a snarling vocal treatment making one forget the sultry Sinatra original. The symphonic "Live and Let Die" remained intact in the capable hands of the UnderCover Girls. A big, grand feel was present as the song built to an exhilarating crescendo powered by drummer Tris Cassel and bassist Liza Sanchez. Then it dropped to the more subtle, ballad-like verse and chorus arrangement by keyboardist, Julie Dolan. The ability to rock out and have a great time was obvious onstage as the girls seemed to enjoy themselves wearing big smiles on their faces and radiating a positive, happy glow throughout the show. This infectious spirit from the band bled over to the audience as well. The small but eager crowd got up quickly to dance to almost every song.Never still for a minute, this band has unlimited stamina. Striking poses with their respective instruments, whipping their hair around and mugging it up with bandmates moving back and forth in time with the music, The UnderCover Girls are tireless study in motion. Jessica Pennington’s stylized melodramatic singing fueled the material taking it out of the mere realm of reinterpretation and making the songs her own. With influences ranging from Pat Benatar to Terri Nunn of Berlin to the stage’s Patti LaPone and Ethel Merman, it’s no wonder Pennington believes in the power of performing each song very big. The bold, wide-eyed singer has the requisite panache and confident attitude as a strong frontwoman. Pennington has raw sexual appeal and utilized several exaggerated body gestures such as flirtatious looks and sinewy gyrations working them to full effect and getting
the crowd excited about the music as she made it sound new and vital again in the process
- All Access Magazine

The UnderCoverGirls put on a fun evening party show (4 Sets) spanning four decades (60’s to 90’s) recently at Brennan’s Pub in Marina Del Rey. This all-girl party band gave an amazing performance with an entertaining line-up of songs ranging from Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come” to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” All Access Magazine’s 2005 Best Female Keyboard Artist Julie Dolan leads the UCG on keyboards and backup vocals. A highlight of the night included Dolan singing and smiling as she nailed the keys on “Sweet Home Alabama.” In addition to being in The UnderCoverGirls, Julie Dolan is also a talented working actress and is also in an INXS tribute band. Her musical inspiration list includes her brother Michael Dolan who is also a musician and Executive Editor at Music Connection Magazine. Jessica Pennigton, who’s also a successful actress, sounded magnificent on lead vocals as she merrily danced the night away to songs like “Livin’ After Midnight” and “Wild Thing.” Sylvie La Croix, lead guitar, backup vocals, brings Jimi Hendrix’s spirit on stage with “Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire.” Liza Sanchez; bass, backup vocals and Tris Cassel; drums, backup vocals can handle material from The Beatles to Van Halen and The Rolling Stones at ease with charm and a smile.
These beautiful ladies put on a first class act and have over 100 songs under their belt so performing four sets in one night at Brennan’s Pub was no problem. The UnderCoverGirls were asked back to Brennan’s Club to play again on March 25th making for a festive Saturday night. UCG frequently plays at Pat’s Cocktails (Studio City), at festivals and private parties, and have an intensive list of clubs on their resume including Paladino’s (Tarzana), The Cat Club (West Hollywood), Molly Malone’s (Hollywood), and The Buddha Lounge (Agoura Hills), etc. What make The UnderCoverGirls Band unique is their talent, stage presence, and fun-loving philosophy that goes out with every one of their e-mails.
“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to the grave, skidding in sideways, Champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO!”
How can UCG go wrong with a philosophy like this and talent to match?
For further information on The UnderCoverGirls Band go to www.ucgband.com.
- All Access Magazine