Sylvan Esso release new album "Ow ∞" with a nostalgic sound
Electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso have released a new album, "Ow ∞", marking a bold shift toward a turn-of-the-century sound. The pair marked the release by answering The Verge's weekly questionnaire about gadgets and daily habits.
Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, who have performed as Sylvan Esso since 2014, released their new album "Ow ∞" this past Friday. Following earlier releases such as the more fragile "Free Love" and the danceier "No Rules Sandy", the new record represents what may be the boldest reinvention of their sound yet. It leans into a deliberately nostalgic feel, trading glossy dance production for turn-of-the-century breakbeats and distorted guitars, with echoes of bands like Soul Coughing and Blur. Electronic textures and modern vocal production techniques familiar from past albums remain present throughout.
Questionnaire on tech and daily life
To celebrate the release, Sylvan Esso answered The Verge's weekly questionnaire. Sanborn said his most indispensable tool is his laptop, and that he dislikes doing important work on a touchscreen. He also shared that he recently put his phone through the washer and dryer by accident, destroying it and leaving him without a phone for about a week — an experience he described as heavenly.
Meath recalled owning a T-Mobile Sidekick phone as a teenager, which she used to keep her journal and considers one of the best gadgets she's owned. Both also shared favorite video game memories — Sanborn named "EarthBound", while Meath's first love was "Skyward Sword".
Asked what is worth splurging on, Sanborn said good-quality yogurt, calling it an underrated delicacy. Meath mentioned she recently bought Sheila Heti's book "Pure Colour" at a bookstand in Brooklyn.
