New to Me!
Music is not always the same. I knew that, but the point was driven home when I sat down to do this review. Bitter:Sweet is brand new to me. Their debut album, The Mating Game, was released in April 2006 by Indie label Quango Music Group, Inc. I received the CD to review after asking one of my media representatives for something different and unusual. That is exactly what I got.

Shana Halligan and Kiran Shahani (former Supreme Beings of Leisure) make up Bitter:Sweet. After meeting in Los Angeles, the duo decided they wanted to do something different and break out of the typical LA music scene. With Kiran as the producer, composer and Shana handling the vocals, melodies, lyrics and co-producer duties, the two have created a sound that is definitely not LA usual.

Their music genre is best described as Pop/Electronica/Trip Hop. Shana has written story driven lyrics that she sings in a heartfelt sexy-sweet style. The album has a very psychedelic feel to it and while I was listening, I kept getting images in my head of old romantic black and white movies. I also sensed an upbeat retro lounge feel and that’s not a bad thing. It’s different and being different in today’s music world is good. It gets you noticed and I feel Bitter:Sweet’s debut album is worth such notice. The mix of original writing and techno pop type musical arrangements is eclectic and eccentric at the same time.

Bitter:Sweet is making several new leaps in the industry and you can follow their musical itinerary on their MySpace page. I found some interesting tidbits. You all know how I get excited about music and television and Bitter:Sweet can be heard on Grey’s Anatomy and Nip Tuck.

Bitter:Sweet will see a new remix album come out in August and the two will begin touring as well. Their tour will kick-off in San Francisco at The Independent with opening band Halou. You can see the full tour schedule at Bitter:Sweet’s website or their MySpace page. I have listed both links below.

The Album:
Bitter:Sweet
The Mating Game
April 2006
Quango Music Group, Inc.
Indie Label

• Don’t Forget to Breathe
• The Mating Game
• Overdue
• Heaven
• Bittersweet Faith
• Moving Forward
• Moody
• Dirty Laundry
• Our Remains
• Salty Air
• Take 2 Blue

This was the type of album that you can play at a party, for a nice romantic dinner, while cleaning, or as a great sound track for writing. I really enjoyed this project and I’m looking forward to more of Bitter:Sweet’s work! I encourage you to give it a try. Be different!

Have a great week!
Chel