Bitter:Sweet

My brother handed me a CD by Bitter:Sweet yesterday, saying I'd definitely like at least a couple of the songs, probably more. He'd heard the group on KCRW a while back; I'd never heard of them.

He was right; I did like more than a couple songs. Think early Morcheeba meets Massive Attack and they decide to have a cocktail.

Bitter:Sweet are an L.A. duo -- Shana Halligan and Kiran Shahani -- but it takes a lot more than two people to actually create their sultry space-age bachelor's lounge sound, as you can see if you watch their groovy April appearance on Morning Becomes Eclectic (you can also opt to have a listen, but it is rather fun to watch the whole band). "Heaven" bounces along on the sweetest of synthpop beats but isn't really such an adorable song if you pay attention. Halligan's voice is too sultry to pretend to be all sweetness and light. Songs with at least a bit of darkness simmering under the surface (if not out in the open for all to see) suit her perfectly. I prefer "Overdue", though, an instantly likeable slice of funky, jazzy electronica. I can even overlook the giggle at the end, a touch I don't like. Another standout: "Moving Forward".

Bitter:Sweet Dates:

Sept. 4 - Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot Music Festival (5 PM)
Sept. 6 - Boise ID - The Big Easy Concert House (8 PM)
Sept. 7 - Spokane, WA - The Big Easy Concert House (8 PM)
Oct. 8 - Los Angeles, CA - Tar Fest (5 PM)

Bitter:Sweet - Overdue (available on The Mating Game)