She's Not There

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious cover of "She's Not There" by Vains Of Jenna from their 2011 album Reverse Tripped, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its sleaze rock energy. This track, originally by The Zombies, gets a gritty, modern makeover with Vains Of Jenna’s signature Hollywood-glam swagger. While specific interviews or social media posts about this particular cover are scarce, the album itself stirred up buzz for its bold take on classics. One reviewer on Amazon raved about the band’s ability to deliver covers “in their own way,” highlighting tracks like "The Sound of Silence" and "California Dreamin'" as standouts, suggesting "She's Not There" also benefits from their raw, energetic reinterpretation. The choice to cover a 1960s hit aligns with the band’s knack for blending retro influences with their punk-metal edge, a move that sparked both praise and debate among fans.

The Reverse Tripped album, featuring "She's Not There," marked a controversial shift for Vains Of Jenna, as it introduced new frontman Jesse Forte after the departure of original singer Lizzy DeVine. A review from Sleaze Roxx noted the album’s divisive reception, with some fans feeling it strayed from the band’s sleazy roots, while others enjoyed the fresh spin on songs like "She's Not There." The track’s inclusion alongside covers of Deep Purple and The Beatles shows the band’s ambition to bridge decades of rock history, though some criticized their choices as too far from their original sound. Despite the mixed reviews, the album’s release was followed by an extensive 54-city North American tour, proving the band’s commitment to bringing their new vibe, including "She's Not There," to live audiences.

Vains Of Jenna kicked off their journey in Falkenberg, Sweden, in 2005, founded by four young musicians with a shared love for glam and sleaze rock. Barely six months after forming, they were cutting demos in Hollywood with Gilby Clarke, formerly of Guns N’ Roses, a testament to their raw talent and hustle. By summer 2006, the band relocated to Los Angeles, where their high-energy performances caught the eye of Bam Margera, the MTV star known for Viva La Bam. Margera signed them to his Filthy Note Records label, and their debut album, Lit Up / Let Down, hit stores that fall. This early success led to major opportunities, like touring with Poison in 2007 and playing festivals like Crüe Fest Hollywood, where their gritty sound and youthful charisma won over crowds.

The band’s rise wasn’t without challenges. After their second album, The Art of Telling Lies in 2009, frontman Lizzy DeVine left, forcing a quick pivot with Jesse Forte stepping in. This lineup change shaped Reverse Tripped, including their take on "She's Not There." Despite their momentum, Vains Of Jenna announced their amicable disbandment in January 2012 via posts on Facebook and Myspace, citing a desire to close that chapter after seven years of music and touring. Fans can still connect with the band’s legacy through their official Facebook page, though their Instagram and X accounts are less active. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities like the Vains Of Jenna Fan Club on Facebook keep the spirit alive, sharing memories and updates about the band’s influence in the sleaze rock scene.