Etro Anime
See The Sound (2004)

Review by: Chris Orcutt
Date: 6/15/04

See the Sound is a great record. I've had it spinning for weeks – at work, at home, and especially, on sunny days, in the car. Imagine a groovier version of Everything But the Girl. Great beats, swirling guitars, jazzy keyboard washes, and singer Lissette Alea's eyes-half-closed singing combine into a wonderfully tight yet effortless-sounding group of songs.

There are a lot of electronics here but nothing sounds mechanical – in fact there's a lot of heartfelt soul. "Portrait" is the real standout for me, combining poignant lyrics (you found me/before I found myself) with a skittering beat and wonderfully understated guitar work. But just about everything here is good: "Summer Rain" is a club hit waiting to happen, and "Adonis" has a great drum-and-bass background rhythm. Some real good stuff.