Sweet Trip

by Stephen CramerComprised mostly of a man and his machines, San Franciscos Sweet Trip is the genius of Roberto Burgos. Featuring shoegazey beats and electronic experimentation, the vocals of Valerie Reyes add to the bands dynamic allure. Having immigrated from Panama as a young boy, Burgos brought a worldly perspective to electronic music from the bands humble beginnings. Along with Reyes Filipino heritage and original bassist Viet Les Vietnamese bloodline, the bands global perspective may have inspired the bands otherworldly soundscapes. The debut Alura EP saw the light of day in 1999 on Californias Darla Records. The release was only the beginning of Sweet Trips close relationship with the stellar and diverse independent label. Adding guitar to the usual suspects of keyboards and samplers, Sweet Trip set itself apart from other ambient/ electronic acts in the indie rock/pop landscape. The Halica LP was released in 2000 as part of Darlas Bliss Out series, along with the ish EP. Burgos quickly became a much sought-after producer, remixing songs for Takako Minekawa, Junior Varsity KM and Gnac, among others. 2003 saw the release of Velocity : Design : Comfort, again on Darla. Released nearly four years after its predecessor Halica, the disc showcased the bands powerful live sound better than any of their previous recordings. Guest musicians Aaron Porter and Sue Mee added new perspectives to the sophomore full-length.