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indie-snob>+!#
si*sé @ borders (9-20-03)
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 An in-store performance by Si*Sé About two years ago, my good friend Helene told me about this little NYC band known as Si*Sé. Her relationship to them was distant, as she's friends with Dido's DJ, Pete Miser, who dated (or was dating) singer Carol C. So I went to Tower Records and picked up the copy of their debut self-titled album on David Byrne's Luaka Bop, which was at that time featured on Tower's listening-station. Since that day, Helene and I have been anxiously awaiting a moment to see the band live. Earlier this year, I saw that Si*Sé was playing at Chicago's Empty Bottle, a 21 and Over venue. Needless to say, we were distraught. That was until I got an email through the Si*Sé mailing list notifying me of a free in-store performance. Oh yeah. Every year, Chicago venues take part in a series of events known as World Music Fest, which includes largely traditional groups from all around the world. Si*Sé perhaps fell into this by default. Certainly, a NYC band is not exactly "world" music in relation to Chicago, but their unique blend of down-tempo electronic beats with Spanish-influenced guitars and other traditional instruments makes them one of a kind. Carol C brings a beautifully sexy yet comforting voice to the pieces, singing in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The band opened with "Slip Away," a jazzy number off their debut. No matter what Si*Sé song is being performed in what language, the impact is the same. I always find myself wanting to get up and move around and belt out the unknown lyrics to the songs. Yes, I just find them THAT charming. Si*Sé continued to perform two new songs, "Someday" and "Agua," both of which sounded amazing in the [now] famous Si*Sé style. Their single, "Rain" was performed next. This song, while not best embodying the style of the band, is certainly the one that made them most famous. Remixes of this song have appeared all over the NYC/Brooklyn club scene (Carol C is actually a regular DJ at many places) and one even went on a Luaka Bop sampler released last year. They closed with "Biscocho Amargo," my favorite song off the album. It's hard to describe exactly what goes into this band's music. It's not world, it's not trip-hop and it's not pop music, but somewhere in-between there. Carol C's stage presence is magnetic, her strange dances and brilliant smile is enough to warm any heart. Plus, who doesn't like to see a marvelous set of percussion, a drum kit, bass, keyboards and violin? Definitely a band I'd recommend very highly. This is certainly one of my more prided "unknown bands." So, spread the word, but not too much, but enough so they can play some all ages shows. Grade: A- Their album is temporarily unavailable due to some record company problems, but it'll be available through re-release on Luaka Bop on October 21. Enjoy! Want to see a picture of your favorite Indie-Snob with Carol C and DJ/Programmer U.F.low of Si*Sé? You know you do... [[click]] |
