The band, "Saint Etienne," formed from Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs fascination with sampling. They weren't intending to form a band, but after their single, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," a Neil Young cover tune became a hit in the UK, they had little choice. They took the name, "Saint Etienne," from a French football team and started looking for a permanent vocalist. Sarah Cracknell had been singing for dance group, "LoveCut dB," when she met Stanley and Wiggs. Her "audition" came in the studio, recording, "Nothing Can Stop Us." The three got along well enough during the recording sessions that it was obvious, "Saint Etienne," was complete.

Since then, they've recorded three albums distributed by Warner Brothers in the U. S., "Foxbase Alpha," (1991) "So Tough," (1993) and "Tiger Bay" (1994). The albums were marketed to the club scene instead of radio stations, unfortunately leading to their quick disappearance. A three year hiatus followed while the band members pursued their own projects; Cracknell working on a solo album, "Lipslide," while Wiggs and Stanley were remixing and DJing. In the meantime, three compilation albums were released by their record companies. The band decided to sign with Sub Pop to record their first new studio release, "Good Humor," in 1998. Sub Pop gave them more control over the production of the album than a major label would.

My first encounter with the band, "Saint Etienne," was the compilation CD, "Tambourine Studios Volume 2." (see AMZ February 1999) I was so taken with their song, "Hit the Brakes," that I requested their next album be sent to me for review. "Places To Visit," their new EP from Sub Pop arrived in my mailbox last week. There's a timeless airy quality to St. Etienne's music. The lullaby-like, "Ivyhouse," is many layered in the feelings it evokes.

Cracknell's vocal is perfect, while electronic sound supplied by Wiggs and Stanley create a dark yet hopeful backdrop. There's a childlike sensuality that leaves one breathless, wanting more. Heavy bass and electronic sampling on "52 Pilot," are soon joined by Cracknell's vocal. Her whisper beckons, "You're the pilot. Take control," drawing the listener into the song.

The sound of rain and a throbbing bass beat set the stage for "We're in the City." Electronic samples wind their way through the song with Cracknell's vocal floating over the sounds like a honey gold lined cloud. She sings, "In the city your footsteps float in the air/ In the city at night there's no one else there. . .Pausing to catch your breath in the rain/ In the city your home again, again. . ." The lyrics set the scene while the music delivers a mood, creating a near cinematic experience. "Artieripp," is what music might sound like in a dream. The echoed bass drum pumping out the seconds weighs the song heavily. Electronic overlays crackle, buzz and fart the rhythm out. It's an interesting instrumental excursion.

"Sadie's Anniversary," is a bittersweet song of a marriage gone wrong. Memories flood back of a wedding one year past and the man that left. "One year to the day/ Since you put on the night/ One year to the day/ Since you shut out the light. . .I've made up my mind/ I'll never say those words again. . .No, not to anyone that matters. . ." Piano notes and quivering synthesizer open, "Half Timbered." Cracknell's whale-like vocals, used as an instrument, mesh well. The song gives the feeling of being under water.

The EP, "Places To Visit," is a good way to sample, "Saint Etienne's," talents. Their ethereal pop sound has yet to noticeably crack the U. S. charts. Spread the word by being the first on your block to play them for a friend, just as I already have. They'll thank you.