The Jupiter Project is a two-piece, consisting of Jonny Pape (vocals, guitars) and Sue Boyer (bass, vocals), from Boston who have managed to create a sound that could be mistaken for pop, but easily goes deeper than that. Initially formed in 1999, they spent a lot of time trying to find a drummer that would work for them artistically, but by 2001 decided to forgo the living third man and stick with programmed drumming, much like heavier acts Godflesh and Pitchshifter.

There are hints of musical style that's not limiting to what the band seems to be trying to create. You can hear familiar grooves in their songs that come together wonderfully. Pape's vocals are usually on the forefront and have the range and quality of a Michael Stipe (R.E.M.). Boyer's own vocals have great harmony and work wonderfully as a balance to Pape's own soulful, folksy tones.

The guitar lines are clean and almost minimalist, but show a great range of emotion and detail. Bass lines are smooth and work wonderfully as a balance to the strength of the vocals and crispness of the guitars. And, to accent this duo are finely programmed drums that show an understanding of what works for them. At times, the drums seem to mimic a live rock drummer, and at other times, it feels like a slower "trip-hop", almost like Roni Size slowed down for good measure.

I can make you try is a six-track album that's the band's first recording and already shows great promise. The opening track, One Slip, slides it's way in with a smooth drum and bass opening, in which Pape lays his voice over. The guitars roll in crisply and once the song gets rolling, you are caught up by the catchy groove. Gooseflesh is casual in it's introduction, but once it gets underway, reveals an angst that's almost startling. The Jupiter Project has no problem showing a range of emotions without being overbearing or clichéd about it.

While Hills and Horns has a strong rock power to it, the following track, Picaboy, brings the listener back to their more folksy atmosphere. In Rummy, Boyer's own heartfelt vocals get focus, and are wonderfully garnished with a deep piano accent that drives home the point. Two-feet starts with a wonderfully coy '80's techno-pop drum beat and reveals a main riff and chorus that's addictively fun to listen to.

And that's really the strength of The Jupiter Project - their ability to create both songs and presence that the listener can't help but want to listen to. The six songs of I can make you try are a pleasant appetizer that will be sure to keep listeners on the lookout for more. Their work is varied and shows so much potential that I can't wait to hear more of it. It's the kind of potential that

If you're interested in The Jupiter Project, check them out at their website.

- - Kinderfeld