Artist - Album
Devendra Banhart - Ma
Devendra Banhart (DB) rekindles a style of vulnerability that we need in contemporary art. He continues to develop previous albums, and he renews them. The incorporation of four languages in the album especially offer a refreshing delivery of nuance. The calming effect of his music is irreplaceable—his use of the acoustic guitar coupled with wind instruments and strings create a sound in Ma as gentle as a loving hug, but as bittersweet as its release. I especially adore the songs, “My Boyfriend’s in the Band,” “Kantori Ongaku,” and “Abre Las Manos.” It’s difficult to choose favorites, despite acknowledging these songs, as every piece produced by DB holds significant lyrical and instrumental value. Devendra is one of the most important Latin American artists of the 21st century, and I look forward to his future art.
Hippo Campus - Demos II
The emotional maturity of Hippo Campus shown over the course of their last 3 LPs, building up to this fourth LP, resonates in their self-aware lyrics. Covering themes of interpersonal relationships, mental health, heartbreak, and life purpose, Demos II brought a necessary catharsis to 2019. What else can artists do, but create art that offers recognition? This sentiment reflects in their music, and the combination of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, RPM, and American folk-rock make for an entrancing sound. The persistence of self-expression in this album doubles as a mirror to that of their first LP, Landmark, offering an insightful take on subjective experiences. I’m excited to see Hippo Campus continue to evolve with each tour and each album, and hope to see Demos II become a fully processed album, if not be the precursor to a new one.
Healing Gems - Jungle Flower
As one of my favorite music groups channeling the whimsy of Latin American bossa nova from the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Healing Gems has done it again with their third EP, Jungle Flower. Each song from this album not only complement one another, but can be enjoyed on their own. The song, “Sueños de un Burro,” especially makes me imagine that I am walking through the town of Bikini Bottom from the show, Spongebob, and is just as humorful and colorful in feeling. The music of Healing Gems is perfect for any outing, for time spent with friends, and for any work session requiring delightful energy.
Menahan Street Band - There’s a New Day Coming / Tommy Don’t
Though this EP by Menahan Street Band (MSB) yields only two songs, these tracks transport the listener back to the sounds of 1970s metropolitan life. When listening to MSB, I always envision a world through the warm, grainy lens of the 1970s imaginary—there is a type of kindred liveliness. MSB is a cousin to groups like Khruangbin who channel resonance. I always recommend Menahan Street Band to those who appreciate instrumental music, and I encourage you to try them on for size!
Babe Rainbow - Today
The coastal spring of Babe Rainbow’s tunes offer bountiful feelings of fun. The music from Today can reshape any ambience. Need a lighter mood change? Today. Exploring your mind with a few friends? Today. Want an alternative to The Beatles because you’ve listened to every song from Please Please Me to The Beatles in Italy? Babe Rainbow. I am especially fond of the songs, “Morning Song,” “Electrocuted,” and “Many Moons of Love.” Hopefully you, too, find enjoyment after listening to Today and share it with your loved ones!
Arroba Nat - Para Echar la Lloradita
Off the bat, the first track of Arroba Nat’s newest album recreates a mood reminiscent of Natalia Lafourcade's music. Meaning absent in Spanish, “Ausente” fills the crevices of the heart, providing catharsis. As you make your way through the album, sounds similar to Carla Morrison’s music break through as well. One of my personal picks from the album is titled, “La Perra Soledad,” as it channels the feeling of longing and desire for one’s significant other, as distance separates the two. This album is a must-listen, for any time of day; perfect if you want to learn another language, or exercise your knowledge of one.
Jennifer Gentle - Jennifer Gentle
This Italian artist is one of the few that I discovered closer to the end of 2019 that stood out to me. Jennifer Gentle's art disturbs and intrigues, represented by songs like “Love You Joe” and “My Inner Self.” It’s curious that independent Italian artists are evolving by incorporating American sounds into their EPs and LPs. For example, the song, “Only in Heaven,” reminds me of the bittersweet, dream-like sound of The Beach Boys song, “God Only Knows,” from the album, Pet Sounds. Definitely a game changer!
Allah-Las - LAHS
Inspired by the legacy of the American West, Allah-Las always brings a special twang to their sound. I imagine new wave cowboys romping around, gripping their belt buckles and balancing straw between their lips as I listen to this album and those of their past. The infusion of Portuguese in LAHS also offers a slippery swank of sound that entices dancing. Overall, Allah-Lahs maintains an innovative quality to their music that should be spread across the plains.
Little Jesus - Disco de Oro
Want to dance like Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy? Listen to “Disco de Oro” by Little Jesus off their newest album, Disco de Oro. I absolutely love the vibrance that is captured by the range of tones in this release. Disco de Oro is a celebration of life, a confession of sentiment, and a revitalization of 20th century funk and rock in Latin America. Hailing from la Ciudad de México, Little Jesus reaps the benefits of metropolitan culture, showcasing a return to natural feeling. Anyone who enjoys listening to artists like Cineplexx, Buscabulla, and Technicolor Fabrics will find the fun in this newest production by Little Jesus. Disfruten!
Vanessa Zamora - tornaluna pocket
I love this instrumental version of Tornaluna by Vanessa Zamora. I generally prefer to write in silence, but writing to tornaluna pocket helps the ebb and flow in between bouts of emotional blockage. Tornaluna pocket also renews inspiration and helps to refocus feeling with each song. Tracks like “colores,” “solegrande,” and “malas amistades” are especially favorites. “Solegrande” from the original album, produced in 2018 with vocals, is one of my favorite tracks in general, and reinforces the feelings of anxiety and excitement when realizing one’s dreams with each choice made in life. Vanessa Zamora is a Latinx artist who I am excited to see up-and-coming, and will hopefully break through to the United States!