Sylvan Esso | SXSW Top 25

Sylvan Esso performed one of the last slots of the week at this year’s SXSW, closing the M&M stage on the Friday night. Though sounding like a funky stage name for a solo artist, Sylvan Esso is actually a duo from the States – Amelia and Nick.

The group focus on electronic music, with the unique element of featuring vocals more prominently than their electronic contemporaries. The logistics of the group is clearly organised, where Nick provides all production and instrumentation and Amelia focuses on the vocals. The stage also sees the singer delivering a high spirited performance, not shy of showing off dance moves to bring the songs more to life.

The chemistry on stage between the two is undoubtedly strong – it’s for certain they often get confused for a couple or a sibling pair, but the platonic relationship between the two doesn’t detract from the charm and chemistry they carry.

Their songs’ first and foremost aim is to just have fun – that’s clear from their delivery but also their sound. There’s nothing about them trying to be something they’re not, but their natural goofy selves on stage make for a fun set that you can’t resist but get involved with, clear from the queues who were lining up to see the group from 7pm for a 1am show – dedication!

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