The word to describe Sirsy is genuine. They know what they are and they know what they are about, an amazing ‘little’ band. I say ‘little’ because this band is just two people: singer, drummer, flautist and keyboard pad-playing Melanie Krahmer and beat-to-hell Rickenbacker 330 guitarist Rich Libutti. Rich also plays bass notes with his feet and has a fearsome guitar pedalboard. This upstate, NY based combo was a regular visitor to The Bohemian Cafe in Greenville SC, where I was lucky to get to meet and work with Melanie and Rich, running sound for them at least 10 times.
These two are about the nicest people I’ve met in the business, and their band is fun, funny, and thoroughly entertaining. Melanie is a powerhouse singer, and in Holly Springs she was featured on new songs such as ‘Like A Drum,’ and ‘Death Of Me.’ Sirsy’s music is very pop oriented, their originals somehow reminding me of They Might Be Giants without the snark. Their journeyman musicianship at myriad styles, great drumming, and sense of humor reminded Adrienne of Christmas (see tinyurl.com/zubchristmas). They earnestly sing tunes about their families, health issues, bullying, etc. That sounds depressing but in reality the band is uplifting. One little girl seemed to know all the words and was utterly enchanted as she mouthed along to the songs, enthralled.
At Bombshell Brewery, they had friends in the local opening band who were obviously big fans. Their friends seemed to have brought out a big crowd, and Sirsy rocked them. Original songs like ‘Cannonball’ and ‘Crazy’ went over a storm. This duo is smart enough to know who they are playing for and why they are playing. They dropped in plenty of covers, including ‘uncool’ stuff like Fleetwood Mac, played with appreciation but with a definite Sirsy imprint. The crowd absolutely loved it. They also played a pseudo-disco version of Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’ that was genius.
Melanie and Rich are a tight, self-contained, entertaining, and thoughtfully assembled duo. They are currently touring the South of the US right now. If you haven’t seen them, a Sirsy show is inclusive, fun, and more than worth investment of your time. Every time I see them, I smile and have a great time. Join me in digging this band; your results will NOT vary!
----Steve McGowan
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