Genre: Electronica, Trip-Hop
Members: David Trusz (34) - Producer/Multi-Instrumentalist
Johanne Williams (32) – Vocalist
Country: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
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Perhaps it’s the ice-cold wind that whips across Lake Ontario one minute, and then abruptly stops to let you absorb the snow-capped serenity of Toronto, that provoked natives David Trusz, and Johanne Williams, to concoct one of the most dichotomous releases of the year so far. Sissy’s, All Under (Global Underground 2006) offers vocals that lick your earlobes and beats that pound your eardrums. Sissy, are as divine as they are twisted; as retro as they are futuristic.

Upon first listen to the duo, thoughts of Portishead come to mind, but then you realize that there is something else at work here… sublime seduction. The songs on All Under, take their time to build, choosing to captivate rather than assault. The result is hauntingly beautiful. For instance, the title track, “All Under”, starts with a beatless, soft, lonesome piano walk that draws you in. Williams’ superb vocals float in, finding the perfect balance between Louise Rhodes, and Beth Gibbons. Then the bass drum hits, and you know that Sissy, is everything but that. Quickly, you realize that Williams is the Yin to Trusz’s Yang.

What is also unique about this release is the way in which Trusz uses old school synthesizers and keyboards like Moogs and Oberheims, to give the album a retro New –Wave feel, while still maintaining an overriding new school edge. Many of the tracks are fit for the dance floor, lounge, or a licentious underground club where who-knows-what goes on in the shadows. “I See You”, is a funky dance floor demon with a flat bassline beat and opposing vocals that are crisp and gritty. “Start Again”, begins with a classic, drunken Hip-Hop beat before a nasty, thick keyboard bassline overtakes you. However, it’s the ghostly guitar melody of “Start Again”, that makes this a real gem, and then, just when you think you’ve heard it all, Sissy get almost scary. A simple piano motif in “Stuck On”, soon turns into a fantastic orchestra of controlled chaos driven almost solely by William’s distorted vocal feedback and wicked, claustrophobia inducing hammer-beats.

These tracks in the hands of a less mature and less skillful producer would have been grating, and not resulted in the sophisticated sound journey that it is. Amidst the heavy rhythms, and dense sound structures are well-placed breaks that allow the listener to breathe, taking them back to a clear point of reference. Trusz’s use of reverb, flanging, distortion, and layering is absolutely masterful. Vocals float, cut, and grate – sometimes all in the same track. This only serves to showcase the vocal dexterity which Williams possess, as she uses the world’s greatest instrument to take you on an emotional rollercoaster. And, if that weren’t enough, her lyrics are full of intelligent introspection and passion that demand attention.

Apparently, Trusz has been behind the scenes for awhile, helping craft masterpieces for others. He has been quoted as saying that his influences are NIN, and Depeche Mode, to name a couple. He realized from an early age that he wanted to produce sonic sculptures and hasn’t looked back since, allowing the sound waves of synths and the glow of computer screens to pave his path. Williams gravitates to the likes of Bjork and Portishead – good taste. She also likes to spend time alone; perhaps that’s where she is the most comfortable. Whatever the case may be, when the two come together they make it work – in the most glorious way. And, although they admit that their music is “dark”, they say it wasn’t necessarily a conscious choice - it just turned out that way. In truth, they are really very happy, kind people who don’t mean to alienate anyone. They just want to make music with substance.

So, go and pick up Sissy…

Punk.

by Cazembe Abena

Album Highlights: “All Under”, “Start Again”, “I See You”, “Stuck On”.

Discography:
All Under (Global Underground 2006) Producer: David Trusz
So Long (EP) (Global Underground 2006)
I See You (12”) (Global Underground 2006)

F.L.O. (For Lovers Of) – Portishead, Lamb, Massive Attack, Bjork, Télépopmusik, Röyskopp.