Faith Nico aka Cruel Sister selects the tracks that have left a lasting impression on her life, from Throwing Muses to Midori.
Portishead – Machine Gun
I was first exposed to Portishead when I was in my friend’s house after school one time and we were all listening to her extensive record collection. She put on Third, and when ‘Machine Gun’ came on I was astonished at how such abrasive sounds could have such a delicate and sad beauty to them when paired with Beth Gibbons’ haunting vocals. I can’t get enough of the aggressive distorted drums and especially the breakdown at 3:16 when things sound very evil as that bass and synth come in. Their first album Dummy is one of my favourite albums of all time and had a huge influence on me, but this track has to get the special mention as it was my introduction to this amazing band.
Throwing Muses – Mercury
This album was my introduction to what would become probably my favourite ever band, courtesy of my father trying to show me more female-fronted rock music as I was listening through his rock and punk CD collection during my childhood. Thanks Dad! It has the signature ‘Muses sound: weird guitar chords, beat changes, and Kristin Hersh’s husky vocals and surrealistic lyrics. I love the bit at 1:43 with the ascending harmonies.
Melody’s Echo Chamber – Cross My Heart
A stunning sophomore album. It’s so hard to choose a favourite from such a strong and consistent body of work, but this one probably has to be my pick as the songwriting and production is such a feast for my brain. There’s so many different exciting aspects to this song. It’s super inspiring and makes me wanna treat production like a child’s playroom to explore things that feel fun and interesting, because it feels like that’s exactly what they did here and I feel like the songs that sound great are often ones you know the artist enjoyed making.
My Bloody Valentine – Only Shallow
It sort of speaks for itself really. This is THE shoegaze song. THE shoegaze album. What more can I say? Cruel Sister exists because of MBV. Thank you Kevin, Bilinda, Colm and Debbie. Can’t wait to see you all in November!
Massive Attack – Girl I Love You
A highlight of Heligoland. That rolling bassline is soooooo delicious. The darkness in Massive Attack’s music is very intoxicating to me. Horace Andy has such a powerful emotion in his vocals. I just adore this band so much. I saw them at Electric Picnic about 7 years ago on my birthday after I had just necked an entire bottle of white wine and completely blacked out for the second half of their set, but I remember it being pretty fucking amazing. I would love to see them again with absolutely no wine involved.
Midori – Yukikosan
DESTROY! I am so in love with how Mariko Goto screeches and prances around onstage playing janky guitar stabs. So fun! So cool! The energy is contagious.
The B-52’s – Give Me Back My Man
Impossible to not shake one’s ass to this. Cindy Wilson definitely is one of the blueprints for how I try to sound with my vocals, such great clarity and attitude, and it comes so naturally to her. I eat up anything The B-52’s make. The coolest band in the universe! I hope to see them live one day.
Aphex Twin – Xtal
This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Aphex’s ambient stuff hits me right in the heart.
Catch Cruel Sister on tour across various venues in Ireland in September. Click here for tickets
