Saint Etienne - Sylvie

On the EP side of their SYLVIE singles, Saint Etienne take it slow and romantic with “Afraid to Go Home” and more peppy with “Zipcode.” These tracks have charm to spare, and even if they’re not as accomplished as the album tracks. The instrumental “Hill Street Connection” has hints of funk and rare groove overlaid with that unmistakable Saint Etienne sunshine.

SYLVIE takes Saint Etienne’s tale of sibling rivalry out to the dancefloor. The Trouser Enthusiasts immediately throw in some HI-NRG punches that keeps them hopping across the mat, laying low Stretch ‘n’ Vern’s cool, but featureless version. But the title goes to Faze Action, who achieve a TKO with their “Friday Night Boiler Mix,” a deep and pumping dub that features a vicious nu-disco uppercut. Floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee.