|
SemiGloss Following in the footsteps of bands like Stereolab and Yo La Tengo, New York's SemiGloss writes songs that make you feel like relaxing in a lawn chair with a tall glass of lemonade. The quartet plays magnificently mellow music that is sure to make your eyelids heavy as you float along contentedly on its lazy stream of notes. The four song demo serves up a full plate of contemporary bossa nova. Sounding like a reincarnated Nico, vocalist Verena delivers deep, smooth vocals that are sure to leave the boys swooning. There are some notable similarities to Ivy, and perhaps because she was raised in Paris, Verena's voice sounds quite a bit like that of Ivy's Dominique Durand. This enchanting chanteuse is accompanied by a trio that is adept at creating deliciously moody melodies. Guitarist and founding member Jordy wrote all of the songs here and his inspired musicianship is one of the tape's greatest strengths. His delicate guitar playing is a perfect companion to Verena's dulcet vocals. Laid-back rhythms and gently played percussion (including maracas on "Free") add to the relaxing feel of these songs. This tape is the result of a collaboration that began only a few months ago, and if it's any indication of what is to come, from SemiGloss, this band is one to watch. JENNY ELISCU
|