Ever fallen in love with an album so deeply that you feel you could run away with it, start a new life in a hot Caribbean country and spend the rest of your days cuddled on sun-beds with the perfect iced tea in hand? No? Me neither, but if I could, this would be the album to do it with! American electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso may have released their self titled album over three months ago (May 2014), but trust me when I say, this is definitely worth the late review and worthy of written recognition.
Over the last few years modern electro: pop, rock, dance and even folk have become more recognized and wanted genres of music with joe public. Groups such as Hot Chip, La Roux and even the classic Duran Duran are popular, with increasing concert ticket sales and ever growing downloads on iTunes. So you could be forgiven in suggesting that the new and up coming electro pop groups do indeed have a hard task ahead, especially with creating new sounds and the sort of ear catching songs that are fresh and musically stimulating to every listener.
“Hey Mami”:
Sylvan Esso have not only succeeded in producing a unique sound, but created an album of electro-beauty, complete with endearing lyrics, gracefully haunting melody lines and the type of drum lines that would satisfy even the dirtiest dub-step DJ. “Hey Mami”, Sylvan’s first single release and opening song on the album really does set the bar, and boy what a high bar that is.
Starting the song with rounds of eerie harmonic vocals, it lays a mental image that this song could be another calming buddha bar track that would end a perfect night of dance floor antics. But trust me, it isn’t… Half way through, the track enters the true taste of the Northern Carolina based duo, with a lusciously thick bass line and a beat drop that can only be described as an enjoyable kick to the groin. This truly is a great opening song, that kick starts the album; But please don’t panic, there’s more.
“Coffee”, the second single may not be one of the album’s most happy go lucky tunes, but releases chordal progressions that raise the neck hairs. The lyrics at times seem to be a mish-mash of unknown description, but who cares when every word slots perfectly between Nick Sanborn’s synthesized genius and positively progressive beats, all can be forgiven. With chorus hooks as strong as “Get Up, Get Down”, it will defiantly be another one of those sleepless nights trying to get a catchy melody out of your head, when you Just. Need. To. Sleep! Most certainly the anthem of the album and lets face it, who doesn’t love a good anthem?
“Coffee”:
If you’re looking for something different, handsome and new age, this could be a great addition to your record collection. Other songs on this album sing about running for gondolas, hungry wolves, and there is even a fantastic version of the kids classic “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” (trust me, hearing is believing). If this review hasn’t already got you clicking on the Spotify icon, then maybe it’s not for you. However, I would urge you to seek out a track or two especially if your up for something different with a good back beat and bucket loads of catchy hooks.
Sylvan Esso are currently touring internationally and play Oslo club in London on the 2nd of October. Please check out their website or chuck their name into a search bar. No attempt to listen to this group is not an excuse, you have been warned!
Purchase: Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso (iTunes)
Words by Jay Osborne // Edited by Ayo Adepoju
