Smoosh write and play music that captures the pure enthusiasm and unadulterated bliss of making art for the joy of it. The band is made up of two sisters, aged 12 and 14; one playing drums and the other handling keyboards ... more »and vocals. This is their second record, and they've toured with Jimmy Eat World, The Go! Team, and Mates Of State. They've also played with the likes of Rilo Kiley, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, Sleater-Kinney, and Cat Power (the latter of whom paid tribute to Smoosh by including a lip-sync performance of one of their songs in her live set).« less
Smoosh write and play music that captures the pure enthusiasm and unadulterated bliss of making art for the joy of it. The band is made up of two sisters, aged 12 and 14; one playing drums and the other handling keyboards and vocals. This is their second record, and they've toured with Jimmy Eat World, The Go! Team, and Mates Of State. They've also played with the likes of Rilo Kiley, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, Sleater-Kinney, and Cat Power (the latter of whom paid tribute to Smoosh by including a lip-sync performance of one of their songs in her live set).
"Smoosh consists of 2 girls, ages 12 and 14, who play keyboard and drums. Asya does lead vocals and keyboard. Chloe plays drums. They both are an awesome sister act and are really pros. Their first CD, She Like Electric, was filled with be-bop and experimental, such as "RAD", which was a rap song about soccer. Not my first choice. Some songs were just plain silly, like "The Quack" and I can totally see why they did that, because I'm a tween too, and I would want to do that! (I'm 12) This CD, Free to Stay, has still an innocent feel, but more moodier, sadder, and more feelings. In She Like Electric, it was just plain fun. In their latest CD, the mood is deeper and feels sad, with mystique. You can tell the girls are maturing with their songs. They're not just a debut indie rock band anymore, they're emerging into the real world. It's a wonderful feel, and I love it so much. She Like Electric is a boat of fun, and I love it too, but Free to Stay is so much more pretty.
Liza A., Age 12"
Can they beat their first album?
The Blue Raja | MD, USA | 07/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Smoosh debut album was a charmer; playful, passionate, and melodic. "Free To Stay," though similar in instrumentation and setup, soars ahead with more sophisticated flare without losing the innocence and sincerity of the last album. What's different is a more solid, marketable album demonstrating an amazing maturity by this young duo. Here are a few notable highlights from this solid album:
"Waiting for Something" is an incredibly powerful ballad that features acoustic guitar (the only cut that does actually), and Asya's vocals here would fool anyone that she's 14. Along with "Slower than Gold," these ballads give us an accurate preview of her career as a vocalist in the future, which is more than promising. If you wish to hear another great example, look for Asya's performance on Head Like a Kite's track "Noisy At the Circus" from the album "Random Portraits of the Home Movie".
"Rock Song" is just that, a ROCKIN' song; powerful, energetic, and an incredibly strong chorus. Was this really written by a 14-year-old? Maybe Asya should be writing for some older bands. Amazing.
"Clap On" is a jazzy tune that, again... amazing song writing! Brilliant chorus.
"Find a Way" is the single (or first single) from the album... though perhaps not officially released (yet?), it is obvious this would be the single, and there's even a great music video for this cut, so look out for it. At any rate, this is the album's greatest strength, and tightest song all in all; catchy, strong, just incredible.
When comparing both Smoosh albums, I like both for different reasons. I tend to listen to "She Like Electric" more often, even though I feel this album is stronger as an album. Perhaps the charm of the first album appeals to me more as at times it is more obvious that these are young kids having a good time with music, whereas "Free to Stay" is a greater stride towards complete band success to be recognized for the music entirely, and not the age of the creators. It will be very interesting to see where these girls are 5 years from now. Let's hope they've already proven they can skip American Idol and go right to the top :P
"
Another SMASH hit from Smoosh!
Matt | Setauket, NY | 06/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you first start to listen to this album it's hard to imagine that these girls are still only 14 and 12 respectfully. They have the poise and grace of musicians 10 times their age.
"Free to Stay" the girls second major relase album is a fantastic array of pop/rock that will keep you listening for hours at a time. The lyrics as well as the melodies and music are superbly written and executed. The haunting sounds that Asya makes on her keyboard and the sophisticated beats and runs that Chloe plays on the drums are eeirely outstanding.
Every song on this album is a hit and deserves an equal amount of praise and admiration. If you are looking for something new to listen to, this is it. There is not a better album on any of the Billboard charts that is as superb as "Free to Stay"!
The girls of Smoosh are "Free to Stay" in the music scene for as long as they like to because there will always be people out theer that will listen to and love their music. So buy this CD, and if you haven't already, buy "She Like Electric" too. I promise you that you won't regret it. It's just that good!
Oh, and for the record, my favorite tracks are: Find a Way, Free To Stay, Waiting For Something, Clap On, and She's Not Right. I love Asya's vocals on these tracks and the melodies are excellent. If you are looking for the upbeat tracks, turn to Rock Song and Glider. And probably the suprise of the album is Slower Than Gold. A slow tempo ballad consisting of Asya's vocals and a sedated keyboard track in the background. It's hauntingly good. So go buy it and make your own favorites!!"
Evolving band's second album creates greater expectations
Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 07/11/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Two years ago Smoosh released its debut album, "She Likes Electric", which was pleasant and quirky but with too many uneven moments to make it an all-around solid album. With much anticipation, we now get the band's second album.
"Free to Stay" (12 tracks, 37 min.) starts off with a blazing "Find a Way" and the message is clear and immediate: the band's drums-and-keyboard sound has progressed a lot since "She Like Electric", and for the better. We have real songs here, not just a quirky and "experimental" sound. Check out the poppy title track, and "I Would Go", an upbeat track. "Rock Song" finds the band rocking harder than ever. Another highlight is "She's Right", with nervous energy abounding everywhere, and a fuller sound again by a bass-like keyboard. Closer "Slower Than Gold" is a beautiful and pensive ballad, and the perfect way to end the album. I can't wait to see how these songs translate in a live setting, and where the band goes from here.
I have purposefully not mentioned until now that Smoosh consists of 2 sisters, ages 14 and 12. The curiosity factor around Smoosh is so high that inevitably the band comes out short-changed. Which is truly regrettable, as "Free to Stay" shows substantial artistic growth from "She Likes Electric", and I can't wait to see how these songs translate in concert. Highly recommended!"
Smoosh is youthful bliss, even with all the growing pains an
chasmatic | 06/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the music little kids ought to listen to. It's made by two (nearly) teenage girls, sisters, from Washington. They play their own instruments, write their own songs, and have indie "cred" and sensibility. It's sweet, genuine, and evokes blissful youth along with the intense growing pains accompanied by it.
Since their first official album, "She Like Electric," Smoosh has grown considerably. Asya's voice has become stronger, though still bears the honey-gloss shimmer apparent on the last album. Her piano playing has also improved immensely, adding slick, playful harmonies atop her fuzzy, bass-y melodies. Chloe's drumming is also still impressive. This sister team works really well, and it shows easily.
All in all, "Free To Stay" is Smoosh's way of proving that age has little to do with quality output when pure talent is involved. Hopefully Smoosh decides to stay around, because they are certainly free to."