VICIOUS DELICIOUS!
March 2003
SIGO - PERFECT EXISTENCE
Picture it –
Malta, the early 90s - a promising band called Bigfoot, fronted by a
bubbly singer/guitarist, gigs relentlessly, releases a well-received CD
called T.F.M. (neatly – and rather conveniently some will agree -
packaged with a free contraceptive, for those who care to remember!),
and then practically disappears. But that was then, and this is now -
the artist formerly known as Sergio is back (after a lengthy span in
London) with a new style, new energy and above all, a new name!
Perfect Existence is the fruit of many labours, basically revolving
around Sigo’s songwriting, which, going by the nine songs here, has not
lost any of the verve of the Bigfoot days. Further to his guitar-based
tunes, this album sees Sigo dabble with electronica, largely involving
the rhythmic aspect, layering his melodic tunes with a more contemporary
sound. To those familiar with Sigo’s acoustic background, this may sound
odd, but in fact, the fusion works well, allowing the song its own space
while still exerting a strong dose of mainstream appeal in the process.
While the more upbeat tracks, such as I Like It, Just Another Day and
Vicious Delicious – which incidentally, also earned Sigo his worldwide
radio debut on BFBS earlier this month - give the album its stride, it
is the title track that packs the strongest punch, its vulnerability
concealed within the stripped down piano/string structure and
melancholic melody.
Another of the album’s strong points, besides its effective and
environment-friendly packaging, is the varied list of guest musicians,
including Ray (Characters), Sapi and Andrew (ex-Limestone Kick), Eric
Wadge (ex-Bigfoot, William Mangion Band), Marvic Lewis (So Chronic) and
Howard Keith, who besides playing keyboards, also produced the record.
Perfect Existence also includes a dance remix of I Like It, which was
reworked by Semitic Groove Foundation, better known locally as Duo
Blank. Spanning a diversity of styles commonly linked by a pop thread,
Perfect Existence is a pleasant record, spilling over with melodies too
good to be forgotten! This is easily one of the best local releases of
the past six months!
Recommended weblink: www.sigomusic.com
