e.s.l.

No, English isn't their second language, but e.s.l.'s style of music certainly strikes a eastern European gypsyish chord. Granted, it's via Vancouver, Canada, but quite vagabondesque never the less. Imagine a feminine version of Beirut to get in the right caravan. It's quirky in its exotic flair, and even tackles some time honored tunes like Neil Young's Like A Hurricane, The Velvet Underground's Venus In Furs, and even more peculiarly The Beastie Boys' Girls. (which my verdict is still out on - I think it would have tipped the scales in the songs favor if the girls had substituted their own names in instead of religiously sticking to the original lyrics and the Beasties' names).

Eye Contact, the debut release from this female foursome, rollicks along at a nice clip, and while the covers provide interesting takes on familiar songs, the originals suggest that the girl have plenty of spirit and skill to stick around after the gypsy fad fades away.

e.s.l. - Prove Me Wrong : Eye Contact

e.s.l. - Girls (Beastie Boys cover) : Eye Contact

Visit their website, their label Jericho Beach Music, and become their friend on MySpace.

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The Beastie Boys - Girls : Licensed To Ill