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Belinda Carlisle
Bebek's "unique brand of trip-hop" (J-Sin � Smother.net) "formulates a stunning blend of pop-electronica-world-jazz that will entice you and suck you into their world" (Keith Hannaleck, Evolving Artist). After a year and a half of performing, Bebek released its self-titled debut album in February of 2005 and it is currently playing on 293 college and triple A stations across the country. While "the strange chemistry in the music of Bebek " draws comparisons with other pioneering acts such as Portishead, Massive Attack, and Stereolab, Bebek succeeds in being very accessible (Takiff, Phil. Daily News). The album is charting and/or in significant rotation on 48 stations and is receiving excellent reviews in both local and national press. Along with the album's success, Bebek's fan base is constantly growing due to the band�s excellent promotions, impressive live shows (Bebek is now one of Philadelphia�s biggest draws), and to Bebek�s heightened profile as a touring act. The album and live show both reveal that Bebek possesses its own musical stamp, coined by the Philadelphia Daily News �a cauldron of squiggly electronica, liquidy cabaret pop, flip jazzy refrains and sinewy Middle Eastern-flavored world beats.� Bebek, (which means "baby" in Turkish), was "born" in Philadelphia. Keyboardist Nick Michalopoulos provides the genesis for the band's material, which features the "sultry, effortless cool" of vocalist Lynn Michalopoulos (Doug Wallen, Phil. Weekly). However, the strength and originality of this "Philly mutli-culti sextet�s" music lies in each band member's distinct musical background (D.W.). Dubbed "million genre babies," the music of Bebek "is perfect for a variety of venues�a fresh and original sound" (Regen Magazine). This versatility has been very well received by audiences both in and outside of Philadelphia. Locally, Bebek�s ascent towards the top of the Philly scene is demonstrated by sellouts at Philadelphia�s well-established listening room, The Tin Angel both in May and September, and at their CD release party in February at The Fire where the club was �cookin��with their diverse, world beat harmonies� (Jennifer Dorazio, Phila. Inquirer). In addition, Bebek recently performed at both the 880-person capacity TLA and World Caf� Live in Philadelphia. Described by Chuck Eddy of the Village Voice as linking "hippie beloved sub genres such as trip-hop, goth-pop, dub, [and] worldbeat," Bebek is successfully branching out to other live music markets, quickly moving up to playing such prestigious rooms as New York's famous Knitting Factory (mainstage) and Sine. Bebek just completed a very successful tour of the Southeast, which included stops in Louisville, Nashville and a sellout show in Winston-Salem. This followed their tour of the Midwest that culminated with a performance at Milwaukee's Summerfest. The band�s ever-growing fan base not only reflects the marketability of their music, but the excitement and lasting power of a band with a unique musical voice. "Bebek's self-titled debut spans the globe in ten tracks, crafting dramatic songs that are ethnic and personal." (Laura Turner Lynch, Kweevak). Entirely self-produced, the album demonstrates a musical breadth and distinct compositional creativity that have been propelling Bebek steadily higher on the national radar. The music, while varied enough to keep a listener's interest, displays an overall sonic vision that is "blanketed by Lynn Michalopoulos' dramatic vocal presence and held together by the stellar bass and drum backbone of Bebek�s rhythm section " (Jenny Poust, Pulse Weekly). The album opens with '807 dub.' The foreboding vocal and synth hooks present Bebek's "sneaky infectiousness" (D.W). 'Frozen' and "the upbeat 'Palm Tree'�an album standout�highlight [Lynn's] range, clarity and sheer sonic power" as well as the "shimmering electric guitar�great keyboard work, thumping bass and crisp percussion [that] demonstrate the band's energy" (Russ Elliot, Musical Discoveries). "Grace 6 5", a "trip-hop raga" (D.W. 05) described as "rich in mood and metaphor", is dedicated to keyboardist Nick Michalopoulos' mother, who passed away soon after the group formed (A.D. Phil. City Paper). The song draws on the keyboardist's Middle Eastern musical influence taking the listener to a different world where sensually hypnotic rhythms, melancholy vocals, bouzoukis and clarinets dominate the musical landscape. Bebek has �something special in their eclectic mix�a perfect debut� (Anna Stjarnell, Luna Kafe � Sweden) that will impress listeners with a deep and passionate creativity. "Their self-titled album is an excellent introduction to a band that has an extremely promising future" (R.E.).
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