Sylvan Esso, comprised of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, have consistently evolved their electro-pop sound since their debut in 2014. Known for their signature hits like “Hey Mami,” the duo has explored various musical styles across their albums, including “Free Love” and “No Rules Sandy.” Their latest release, Ow ∞, which came out last Friday, marks a significant transformation in their music.
The album takes a nostalgic turn with its use of turn-of-the-century breakbeats and distorted guitars, moving away from the glitchy and glossy sounds that characterised their earlier work. Fans will notice the echoes of artists like Soul Coughing and Blur in tracks like “Hot Slob” and “Concrete Glen,” yet the album maintains the electronic essence for which Sylvan Esso is known.
In an insight into their personal and professional lives, the duo participated in a weekly questionnaire. When asked about an essential tool, Nick Sanborn revealed his attachment to his MacBook, preferring it over typing on touchscreens, a sentiment shared by many from his generation. Both had unique wishes for their phones; Sanborn desired a more user-focused design, while Meath fancied hers as a food replicator.
Discussing their internet habits, Sanborn frequents an old forum about programming and instrument design, finding it a rare positive space online. Meath, on the other hand, visits websites like spellsofmagic.com. Their taste in gadgets varied, with Meath reminiscing about her high school T-Mobile Sidekick and Sanborn expressing his long-time desire for a tunable AM/FM radio that he can control remotely.
Both artists cherish fond gaming memories. Sanborn holds a deep appreciation for the Super Nintendo game EarthBound, while Meath’s gateway into gaming was through Skyward Sword on the Wii. Other titles have captured her interest since, including Hollow Knight, Blue Prince, and Hades.
While Sanborn dreams of creating a unique radio, Meath fantasises about inventing the well, considering it an unrivalled achievement. For focus, Meath goes outdoors to reflect, often leaving behind her phone. Sanborn shifts to spontaneous creative projects when feeling stuck. Interestingly, Sanborn shared a recent incident of losing phone access, which he found liberating.
Amelia’s recent purchase was the book Pure Colour by Sheila Heti. Both agree on yogurt as worth investing in due to its high-quality and affordable delight. As a parting thought, the tagline they’d choose for their biopic is simply “Ow ∞.” Their answers not only give a glimpse into their creative processes but also the personal quirks that contribute to their unique sound.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.