By: Staff
We had the incredible experience of listening to the album, 'sssiv 1' by the band sssiv.
The first track, "January Entry," opens with a rolling bell sound from electric guitars that carry just the right touch of distortion, immediately capturing the senses. It feels like the music itself is eager for you to grasp its message, growing louder and bolder as though beckoning you to listen closer but not using words, only the musical arrangement has its own identity. Then, as if satisfied, it softly releases you, like the song has shared its truth, only to turn away and leave fulfilled. It’s incredible how much one can draw from a piece that’s so beautifully performed; with eyes closed, you’re compelled to surrender to its subliminal message and entirely derive your own interpretation.
The drum fill at the start of "Memory Boy" introduces a gentle thrill, cracking open the audible atmosphere to let the rolling guitars flood your senses. The bass arrives, widening the track’s foundation with a commanding presence. When the vocals join, they appear just slightly off-center, which creates an enticing entrance, as if the singer’s thoughts were so eager to share a message that they burst in early. Wasting no time to impress, the vocals come across as powerful and controlled, guiding us through a gentle melancholy—perhaps even sadness—as they deliver the line, “I can never fall asleep without you.” There’s a faint trace of Pink Floyd here, but the track stands on its own, radiating a unique energy. Hypnotizing and utterly captivating, the song builds suddenly and dramatically, quickening the tempo and elevating adrenaline, leaving you wondering where it will take you next. It escalates into a crescendo, with drumming that feels both exhilarating and agitated, then it drops away. The emotions this song evokes are exceptional, making it a fantastic listen from start to finish.
Next up is "False Harmonics," which opens with the line, “I’d try anything to get your attention.” Right then, we’re hooked, eager to hear everything this band will create. With its cosmic atmosphere, there’s a repeating, catchy melody beneath, while guitars weave in and out like sweet auditory treats. It’s as if the music alone is serenading you, needing no words to convey its message. Though the vocals are stellar, the instrumentation itself sings in harmony with them. This band truly leaps outside the box, with a creative spirit that keeps rhythm and arrangement in classic form while presenting a distinct, rare sound. The guitar work—especially the extended solo—is masterful. At nearly seven minutes, this song is impressively long by today’s standards, yet there’s never a dull moment. Every second feels essential. The whole band deserves accolades for this performance; drums, bass, guitars, and vocals each shine with skill and precision.
“Been Better” feels like the perfect complement, almost tailor-made for a TV show sync. It’s reminiscent of a twisted James Bond theme in reverse, stretched, slowed down, with an unpredictable movement as if shifting through an altered state. Once again, the band impresses with a sound that feels refreshingly new and entirely their own.
We wrap up our review with "Suddenly Sad, Suddenly Sweet," in awe at the band’s ability to reinvent their sound yet again. The piano here feels distant, as if set back in the room, more than ten feet from the microphone, evoking the feeling of an empty space. You can almost sense movement within that space, creating a fresh and unique ambiance with delicate, twinkling notes that drift further away, leaving a dizzying yet wonderful confusion.
This band is carving out an absolute path as pioneers of music and creativity, crafting works of sheer beauty and artistic brilliance. They break down boundaries without sacrificing melody or the essence that makes music so compelling to the human mind. Bravo! Automatically saved to our private library.
Get ready to dive into the captivating world of sssiv, the Copenhagen-born trio composed of Sara (drums), Stephen (bass, guitar), and Sasha (guitar, bass). Pronounced like "give," sssiv blends a sweet, dreamy vibe with unexpected twists, creating music that’s both whimsical and rich with energy. This journey started with an impromptu, two-hour studio jam in the heart of Copenhagen, a spark that ignited the collective's signature mix of spontaneity and cohesion. Their creative flow evolved into a beautiful mosaic of compositions and improvisations, now presented in their debut album, sssiv 1.
'sssiv 1' showcases eight immersive tracks, a tapestry of four composed songs and four improvisations that channel the trio’s inventive spirit. Listeners are drawn into sssiv’s unique soundscape where melodies are exploratory, harmonies are intertwined, and instruments take on expressive personalities. From honest, resonant guitar riffs to expansive bass lines and drums that pulse with intention, sssiv delivers an album that’s rich in emotional and musical depth. The album was recorded over four intense days in a cozy house on Denmark’s Nordfalster and mastered by Jason Kingsland in Athens, Georgia.
Experience the immersive soundscapes and rich, melodic storytelling of 'sssiv 1'! Let Sara, Stephen, and Sasha take you on a journey that’s captivating listeners with every note. Stream 'sssiv 1' today and dive into the sound!
Check out this latest release and listen to more of sssiv on Spotify & YouTube.
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