Sietta @ Casablabla, Adelaide(16/02/11)

Fri 18th Feb, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Before I go any further, I should probably mention and apologise for the amount of times you’re going to read the word ‘heavy’ in this article. It’s not because I don’t know how to use a thesaurus or am just an unimaginative writer – it’s the best way to describe tonight’s performance by Sietta. There was nothing light about the duo’s electronic infused soul, but it produced a hot and tropical atmosphere which complemented Casablabla’s fiery and humid setting.

Sietta (comprised of James Mangohig and Caiti Baker) and a variety of other acts take part in the annual Fuse Festival in Adelaide, a three day event where musicians and industry professionals come together and participate in gigs and conferences. Tonight marks the opening of the festival, and while I battled with choices of who to check out, these guys came in at the top of the list. Taking my spot on a seat next to the bar, the first thing I noticed was the minimal crowd which had assembled tonight. There were only a handful of people gathered around with their food, but as the set continued, interest seemed to generate in the downstairs area, drawing people up to where the action was at.

If I were to try and compare Sietta to another artist, I guess I would say that they sound like the lovechild of Portishead and Etta James. For a performing duo, the music Sietta produces in a live setting is something special. Mangohig’s work with the beats sends vibrations through the floor, while Baker’s vocals evoke that classic, old-school diva quality. Together, this combination is really quite interesting to listen to. The vibe that’s set up in our small corner of Casablabla is unusual at first. The heaviness of the music at times called for at least some dancing but the audience stayed seating, choosing to just be immersed in the sounds. Which is okay, but at times I got the feeling I should have been up and grooving about – I wasn’t about to humiliate myself/unleash that on to others, however.

Baker’s vocals are something which should be noted. This lady knows how to sing, first off. Whether she’s singing about breaking up or being proud of her man, Caiti’s voice oozes bitterness and sexuality. Take What You Need has something almost mathematical about it, structurally; the beats and lyrics are somewhat angular and edgy.
Punters were treated to an acoustic interlude, with a number off the band’s upcoming album in Dark Passenger and also a cover of Irma Thomas’ River of My Heart – both displaying the contrast between the organic and mechanised sounds to come from the duo greatly. The unconventional nature of Sietta’s music tonight was unsettling in the way that it was unfamiliar to me, but I really vibed off the originality.

A great way to spend a Wednesday night out.