Sylvan Esso's eponymous album is full of catchy tracks, ripe for getting stuck in your head. "Coffee" is hypnotic, with a droning vibe that's infectious and profoundly danceable.
The Durham-based duo filmed much of the music video for "Coffee" in Carrboro months back.
Singer Amelia Randall Meath designed the video to explore different kinds of dance parties. She is a fervent fan of contra dancing, which kicks off the video and inspired the lyrics. Meath taught band mate Nicholas Sanborn to dance for the occasion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr5AIKRPIHo
Sylvan Esso returns to Carrboro tonight to play a sold-out show at The Cat's Cradle.
Both musicians have followings in their own right. Meath sings with the Appalachian-stye folk trio Mountain Man. Sanborn plays bass for the Triangle-based psychedelic folk band Megafaun, but might be better known for his solo act called Made of Oak. Meath and Sanborn met at a show. She asked him to remix a song she wrote. A plate of grilled cheese later, and Sylvan Esso was born.
Meath is a songwriter with a sweet, soothing voice. Sanborn, an electronic music lover and DJ, creates the digital beats and fills them with bells, shakers and studio instruments.
"I think I'm just attracted to the overwhelming energy that music can have," says Sanborn, adding that he likes hopping around among genres.
Meath and Sanborn wrote the song "Hey Mami" over e-mail. Sanborn said he added texture to the uptempo song with natural sound. He recorded sounds of boats on the Milwaukee River and played them under the the music.
Only those who've already got tickets will get to see Sylvan Esso's sold-out show at Cat's Cradle tonight. It's their last concert before they head out on a European tour.