We listed the Portland-based duo SYLVAN ESSO — comprising singer Amelia Meath & electronic producer Nick Sanborn — as ones to watch in our Hotly Tipped Bands [2016 list]
They create elegant and delicate auditory landscapes criss-crossed with exquisite vocal harmonies. Often nostalgic, sometimes funny, the pair’s music is always immediate and engaging.
Sylvan Esso’s second album “What Now” is the sound of a band truly carrying through on their potential.
Their style and sound has developed, with emboldened production and vocals that are more keenly concentrated, and melodies more attractive than ever before.
Made in 2016 — the record grapples with the pandemonium of a country coming unstuck, the voices snuggled into studios around the country — baffled by the disorganization they saw when they peeked out.
“What Now” can be both thoughtful and personal, and perhaps describes the inescapable abjection that comes after every moment of elation, with satisfaction moderated by the simple cognition that in life there ar no clearly defined conclusions.
“What Now” is a record about consuming love but knowing it won’t actually save you… it’s about sharing information when you know it won’t forestall the inevitable… It’s about tip-toeing the trip-wire between knowingness and egocentrism.
The band have announced UK tour dates [the London May show is already SOLD OUT but they return in November] with details of all show-dates below video
Link: sylvanesso.com
Full UK tour dates:
4 May – London, Village Underground SOLD OUT
15 July – Southwold, Latitude Festival
16 July – London,Citadel Festival
6 Nov – Birmingham, O2 Institute2
7 Nov – Bristol , Trinity
8 Nov – London , O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
11 Nov – Manchester , Gorilla
12 Nov – Glasgow, Art School
13 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
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