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SUBIZA. Delorean(True Panther, Spain)
"First things first: What do we make of Delorean? Are they the sunnier form of the “chillwave/glo-fi/tapecore” movement? Are they basically a Scandinavian blisscore techno act in Xavi kits? Are they really just a rock band with house accents? In reality, they’re obviously a mix of all three propositions. They share the same passion for effects processing and shoegaze affinity as your Washed Outs and Neon Indians, the same sunny exterior and dreamlike harmonies of the Tough Alliance and Air France (who is perhaps their easiest single comparison), and it certainly wouldn’t be a stretch to accuse these guys of owning a Booka Shade 12” or two."
REVIEW
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COLOR EP. Lido Pimienta(Independiente, Colombia)
"Colombian darling Lido Pimienta would qualify as one of those true shining definitions of artistic truism. Her artiste qualities as a singer, writer and illustrator not only speak for themselves, they outshine their own spectrum. Lido currently resides in Canada, where she studies Art Criticism-Curation and forms part of the Tiny Box collective, in short, she’s surrounded by color and to everyone’s luck, she’s aware of it. Color EP marks her first official release, an incredibly confident breakthrough album that's already on the shortlist for best EP of the year."
REVIEW
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OTRA COSA. Julieta Venegas(Sony International, Mexico)
"So it goes without saying that Otra Cosa is a very difficult record to review. The fan in me wants this to be the link between Bueninvento and Limón y Sal, where Julieta breeds unabashed adventurism with her pop songwriting style, perhaps with a dash of the musical sparkle of the Unplugged record. In reality, Otra Cosa is her most measured album to date. Recorded after Julieta spent most of 2009 re-charging at home after the long Unplugged tour, the entire affair is marked by how focused and relaxed it is."
REVIEW
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RECONCERONTE. Los Mil Jinetes(Cazador, Chile)
My anxiety to relate their sound to Devendra Banhart or Fleet Foxes took me by surprise, quickly finding out they have passed over the sepia-tone to actually tremble to the sounds of Brian Eno and The Beach Boys. Los Mil Jinetes employ trippy vocal harmonies and splendorous vivid instrumentation, all adding up to cacophonous depth and occasionally, layers of pure hippy magic. While these layers might not always concrete into a milestone whole or the most intricate of sounds, Reconceronte is hunting and deeply expressive. Although perhaps not aware of it, Los Mil Jinetes are working with timeless melody range, that whimsicality that's so awake and responsive to its provision that makes this album nearly flawless.
REVIEW
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ESPIRITU INVISIBLE. María y José(Grabaciones Amor, Mexico)
In terms of musical ferocity; Espiritu Invisible stands at its core. His songs could be described as unparallel chthonic cuts that march between the transcendent and the forgotten (and the ghosts). María y José is simply, a chillwave and nostalgic installment of pop music. The kind of assorted dream that is warped and wrapped through personal approach; Jimenez’s vision is wonderfully conflictive, breezy, and affectionate. An album that feeds from informality rather than practicing form. It sets up its dynamics to assimilate structure; notice the “este album no fue masterizado” hint on the album’s credits. From the refreshing militant sound to its aesthetics, this is a tremendous achievement.
REVIEW
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TRUCCATORE. Domingo En Llamas(Independiente, Venezuela)
Domingo en Llamas is the audacious project of José Ignacio Benítez, a bright young artist from Venezuela responsible of producing Jóvenes y Sexys’ Bruno EP and whose delightful songs are nothing short from exhilarating. Domingo en Llamas is a vigorous experience; Benitez has an eye for history and a fascination for words. The obvious prototype for such description would add up to a ‘trovador’, and in a way, it fits him. But he is a rare breed of virtuoso; a kind of Dave Longstreet meets Alexander Sokurov and then some. But when you have such a distinct voice and a naturally pleasing way to let it out, it’s easy to dismiss the folksy in it and discover its wild attributes, mostly in its lyrics.
REVIEW
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MEMORIA TEXTIL. Balún(Sgulp! Records, Puerto Rico)
Aural hues, infectious vocals and sophisticated 8bits; Puerto Rico’s Balún crafted one hell of a good mini-album, one that blossoms as it gets unfold. The New York-based band has been under our radar for a while, finding proper momentum through the release of EPs, singles and a bunch of compilations. Recently, they released the captivatingly forlorn and ghostly “Camila”, which is actually an upfront from their forthcoming LP, the second in their career. The song revealed a sharp, awe-inspiring and clear-headed Balún, Memoria Textil might be an ‘in between mini-album’ but what a wonderful endearing surprise.
REVIEW
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LE DISC DO ASTROU. Astro(Wash Dishes, Chile)
Astro arrives to Chile’s awesome scene as the new divisive kids on the block. When I say divisive, think of it in its most literal understanding; the love and hate generated by Astro’s galactic-induced songs speak for themselves and reaffirm the band as one of the most arousing and provocative revelations. When we first encountered the band Astro was the luminous project of Octavio Cavieres and Andres Nusser, two young guys driving a spaceship, a couple of months later and they found themselves recruiting two other pilots, a sign of success. “Maestro Distorsion” (a hit on the rise) brought them attention right quick; Le Disc De Astrou hopes to find its place and ground.
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