sssiv (pronounced like 'give') is a Copenhagen-based trio comprised of Sara on drums, Stephen on bass and guitar, and Sasha on guitar and bass. Their debut album, 'sssiv 1', is a captivating blend of shoegaze, post-punk, and alt-rock, born from a spontaneous two-hour improvisation session.
Recorded by the band over four days in a house in Nordfalster, Denmark, and then mastered by Jason Kingsland in Georgia, USA, the album is an honest reflection of this origin story. It shines with eclectic sounds and raw moments, delivering four improvisations and four compositions, all of which beautifully capture the band's explorative melodies, cohesive harmonies, and live energy.
'January Entry' opens the album with a slow build of atmospheric guitars, drawing the listener into sssiv's sonic world. It's a moody and restrained track that hints at the depth to come. 'Memory Boy', arguably the album's most immediate track, picks up the pace with brighter melodies and a nostalgic vibe that blends melancholy and hope.
Elsewhere, tracks like 'Long Fall' and 'Sea Salt' provide a rhythmic drive, showcasing expansive basslines that ground the dream-like guitars and propel the music forward. These tracks highlight sssiv's ability to create a hypnotic groove that feels truly alive.
As the album progresses, 'False Harmonics' introduces a layer of dissonance and chaos, a jarring but deliberate transition that challenges the listener and showcases the band's unpredictable nature. This unpredictability aligns perfectly with their ethos of live, improvisational creation.
'Been Better' and 'Blueberry' offer a more introspective experience. The vocals take on a vulnerable tone, and the instrumentation becomes less dense, allowing for breathing room. These moments of calm demonstrate sssiv's versatility and ability to strip things back while adding emotional depth. A surprise awaits with 'Suddenly Sad, Suddenly Sweet', a piano instrumental that provides a poignant and unexpected conclusion to the album.
Without doubt, 'sssiv 1' is a promising debut that showcases the band's unique approach to music-making. Their dedication to collective creation and the palpable joy they find in their music is infectious. With a little more refinement, sssiv has the potential to carve out a distinctive space for themselves in the music world. It will be exciting to see how they continue to evolve and refine their sound.
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