The Superjesus debuted to good reviews in 1996 with the EP
Eight Step Rail. The songwriting of vocalist/guitarist
Sarah McLeod and guitarist
Chris Tennent was undeniably strong, and their wall of guitar noise (somewhat reminiscent of Siamese Dream-era
Smashing Pumpkins) made them an overnight success on Australian radio. Sounding like a cross between
Liz Phair and Catatonia's
Cerys Matthews, McLeod's voice was a major drawcard; strong, confident and rarely lapsing into the girlishness that characterized some of the Superjesus' contemporaries. The guitar-driven "Shut My Eyes" became a deserved alternative hit in Australia, as did the more melodic "I'm Stained". ~ Jonathan Lewis