Smoosh: Sisters in Harmony
September 4th, 2007 | 4:35 pm est |
It’s hard to say a bad word about Smoosh, they’re just so young and likeable - it’d be like telling your kid sisters that they’re no good at something they love doing, it’d just crush their spirit. Fortunately, whatever rudimentary skills this pre-teen sister duo has — and they do have them, particularly Asya’s tendency to pound out eighth notes on her electric piano for the rhythm of every single song they play - only enhances their bright, exuberant pop, pop that’s indie only because they’re on an indie label, since it’s tuneful and happy enough to break outside of that ghetto. Plus, that indie designation will forever bring about unwarranted comparisons to the Shaggs, since they could both be passingly categorized as shambolic sibling acts (especially with Smoosh’s younger sister Maia strapping on a bass that dwarfs her). The Shaggs were Outsider art but Smoosh, as their early afternoon show on Monday at Bumbershoot proves, are ragged, cheerful pop that’s easy to like, even if all their tunes sound a little similar. Even when they launch into an instrumental or when the beat gets a little funky disco (as it does on their new tune), those pummeling eight notes and relentlessly sunny melodies blend all their songs together. Thank drummer Chloe, then, for giving them a considerable burst of energy, but also thank Asya for having a knack for sunny, memorable melodies that far outshine any repetitive comps on her synthesized Rhodes. Together, it makes for a sweet time in the sun.





