Ben Ratliff

"There's a good deal more to this music than its solid blues foundation. Highly musical synth work, fuzzed-out guitars and sinister vocal effects evoke a whole gamut of experimental rock, from Chrome and the Residents to Beck and Laurie Anderson. But Ratliff's most original contribution is his fusion of grinding industrial beats with deeply felt, smoky blues guitar. Moodwise, he can almost out-grim Townes Van Zandt or Jim Morrison ("My Days" even talks about a "lost highway," while "Drive All Night" evokes "Riders on the Storm"), but the clanging beats strike the perfect tempos to keep the listener grooving through it all."
- Kosmicblues.net

Ben Ratliff's EP "Misplaced Desire" is a double-barrelled blues shotgun, powered equally by Ratliff's icy baritone vocals and his and Jeff Winter's chunky guitar riffs, with support from a solid rhythm section and production that strikes a good balance between clean and moody.

Ratliff's raw, rootsy sound comes out of city and country blues traditions, but the songwriting takes in other forms, from the heavy-metal drawl of "Leviathan" - an apocalyptic indictment of the Bush oiligopoly - to the bluesy tango of the closer "You Never Miss:"

Ratliff maintains his grim energy through the minor-key blues of "Permanent Midnight," which has a Ray Wylie Hubbard vibe, the lost-love lyrics of the chunky country waltz "Time Slips Away," and the insistent beat of the original folk-ballad "My Dayz" where Ratliff's vocals seem to channel Ian Anderson at his wryest. - Blogcritics.org

Elements of blues, jazz trip-hop and psychedelia come into play on Sexfresh’s debut release. The Bay Area quintet composes dark, often trance-inducing arrangements littered with accordion, banjo and upright bass. What stands out most, however, is Emily Zuzik’s deep soulful alto that croons, wails and whispers with understated power. On the rocked out “Bitterroot” and their tripped-out cover of the blues classic (sic) “Baby Please Don’t Go,” Zuzik’s vocal presence elevates to an unabashed growl. “Two Dimes in One Shoe” has the lazy character of Mazzy Star, while other tracks resemble a less-processed Portishead. - Performing Songwriter

San Francisco definitely has a hot indie sensation-- Sexfresh-- a diverse, talented band who stimulates listeners with their newest CD, The Fainting Room. Sexfresh's eclectic style breaks boundaries with a vivacious mix of jazz, blues, folk, and a dash of Western twang. I was entranced while listening to their simple, undefined tracks; their dark side intermingled with sweet, sultry emotions, artfully combining and unifying both flavors.

Emily Zuzik is their lead female vocalist: creative, intelligent and a gifted singer, penning half of Sexfresh's songs; she's a veteran vocalist who's been performing for nine years. Her mesmerizing voice is sometimes innocent and sweet and sometimes raw and lusty. She can belt out the blues or uplift with her harmonies. Bunko is their ingenious lead male vocalist, accordion, banjo, and guitar player whose voice is often compared to Tom Waits'. Chris "Mully" Mulhauser plays lead guitar and sings back-up vocals. Mully is also largely responsible for mixing and recording The Fainting Room. Michael Osborne, their drummer has recorded and toured the USA and Europe with a variety of artists, including: Regina Richards & Redhot, Holly & the Italians, Marshall Crenshaw, Beat Rodeo, Michael Fracasso and The Rockats. Chris Ward is on bass, formerly of the band Steak. Chris also performs with the Alex Dolan Band. Together, these five band members breathe life into Sexfresh.

The Fainting Room begins soft and slow, much like foreplay. Emily starts with "Try A New Line On Me", Her sweet, hypnotic voice drawing you in. Bunko follows on track two, "Up Here" singing so smoothly it's as if he's undressing you with his voice. As I listened, shivers moved through my body. I felt as if someone had just hotly exhaled upon the nape of neck. So many tracks moved me as the CD built to a fury then settled into a steady heat.

"Bitterroot" is one of my favorite tracks where Emily's warm voice turns to lusty, raw growls. "Goodbye, Farewell, Move On" is soothingly notable. This sensual melody made me wish I was making out with my lover on the couch, with only a faint flicker of candle light guiding our hands and lips in the darkness. In "Far Away" Bunko's raw, bluesy voice made me want to ever-so-slowly undress. Emily and Bunko finally consummate their voices and styles in "Two Dimes In One Shoe." They sound like two lovers embracing between black and white satin sheets. And track ten "Child," feels like new life after something great was conceived. Bunko shines and Emily captivates with her ethereal background vocals, together they give birth to something beautiful, solitary, and immortal.

If you're looking for music for the next time you want a romantic evening, a lust-filled moment, or to set the mood for a new date, Sexfresh's The Fainting Room will deliver. - Lady Mia's Music