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Ashely Yao and John Chao are Misha, based out of New York and a pair that put Ruins of Love at the top of their list of influences. In their debut album Teardrop Sweetheart the two bring us a unique happy/sad blend of songs, mixing traditional song writing with an electronic edge. Their sound is hard to describe: there are traces of Air and Zero 7 but with the poppy vibe of Peter Bjorn and John. They give a unique twist to their music, Chao’s voice is childish in parts but once you hear it you can’t get it out of your head.
The album starts off with a decidedly electronic vibe, big claps and synths sit underneath Chao’s vocal track, which lies on the deeper side of the spectrum. Before long the melody kicks in, provided by some heavy hitting keys and we are suddenly pulled into the marching rhythm of Scars. My favourite track on the album would have to be Losing: there is an incredibly warm sound to this track provided by soft sweeps and keys. The cut-up backing vocals work well when they’re contrasted against Chao’s childish voice. But it isn’t all electronica here as the acoustic guitar on Anaconda is unfortunately tarnished by some annoying backing vocals provided by Yao, while Shake A Little Looser is a better example if this is more your cup of tea.
A couple of the happier grooves the album are Weatherbees and Summersend, both good sing-a-long tracks. The guitar in the latter is excellent as Chao’s voice soars across the top of the melody. Another funky number is Cruelest Heart, and the chipmunked vocals sit across a boppy beat. I didn’t this track would work, but it does! The album finishes with the meandering Trying, and the mismatch of strings and laidback beats are strangely sweet. A beautiful way to close the album.
Good pop is hard to come by these days. While Misha may not appeal to everyone, and it definitely took me a couple of listens to get into them, they have been on heavy rotation ever since. I adore Chao’s voice, it is entirely unique, as is the music it dances across over the course of the album. If you dig poppy electronica that is just a little bit left of centre then this album is for you.
In a word: Bittersweet.
