Defining 'Jique' as Something Lithe and Worldly

None of Brazilian Girls' members are Brazilian, and only singer Sabina Sciubba is a woman. hide caption

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Brazilian Girls singer Sabina Sciubba speaks Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and English. But speaking six languages isn't enough for the Rome-born, Bavarian-raised, New York City-dwelling Sciubba: She also makes up words, as she did for the title of "Jique," the debut single off her band's new album, Talk to La Bomb.

The song is built on a dirty moan of a descending bass line, skipping drums, keyboard squelches and Sciubba's own expressive vocals, which alternate between English and French. While Brazilian Girls' members — none of whom are from Brazil, and only one of whom is female — are known for making lithe, worldly dance music, they've attributed the punchy, almost Daft Punk-like sound of "Jique" to the fact that they've been taking their club-friendly act into rock clubs.

Sciubba won't reveal what "jique" means, but in spite of her willfully mysterious persona — she always keeps her eyes covered in photo shoots and onstage — it's easy to assume that it signifies something provocative. "Jique" only adds to her mythology, and it's irresistibly danceable to boot.

Listen to yesterday's 'Song of the Day.'