By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone
Cover art by Zonagirante Studio
4 discs for very different moods
Zonagirante.com audience: Let's try an exercise that's worth doing from time to time. Instead of waiting for Spotify's algorithm recommendations, let's explore the most fun, independent, and free platform on the internet: Bandcamp, And let's discover little gems from our continent. Self-produced albums that deserve the attention of those who want to hear something different, people who want to show off their new discoveries at gatherings (and that's fine) and not repeat, as always, how good Rosalía's album is (an undeniable fact) or the silly controversy over Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.
This time we bring four titles, From Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile, with very different results, each one suited to a different mood. We go from dancing to noise, from tranquility to euphoria. Onward.
The inexplicable things – Escape
We started in Argentina, in a city that's not very well-known on the rock circuit: San Miguel de Tucumán. Here we find a band with refined style within the confines of contemporary rock/pop. This is a two-song track featuring solid guitars, catchy melodies, and pleasing vocals. There's an elegant use of string feedback and an exquisite soundscape that skillfully blends the caustic with the sensitive.
In the midst of the upheaval, a simple and captivating message emerges:
«"You know, we have nothing."
what to offer to no one.
And no one can save us,
we don't know how to dance,
"We dress so well."»
And yes, brothers: that, in the long run, is rock and roll in its most moving and uplifting form. That's it, and that's why we like it. I'm sure they'll have much more to say and sing in the future.
Jaranatambó – Promises of Love
We found ourselves in Colombia and discovered a project that has skillfully combined electropop with Caribbean rhythms, achieving an interesting balance that reveals meticulous work. It must be said: it was easy to fall into the trap of seeking immediate commercial appeal, the kind that convinces lazy radio programmers during the Christmas season, and creating more conventional tunes with a conservative mix.
But, let's face it, Jaranatmbó takes a risk. It plays with reverberations that integrate the vocals into the whole, there's more experimentation with technical effects, and without losing its danceable drive, it avoids the obvious. The most interesting moment of this EP is its third track, How I sing to you, where a tasty combination of traditional instruments and electronic resources is established, creating a rhythm closer to sensuality and moving away from unnecessary speed.
Exocet – Aviatrix
This is the third album by Diego Benlliure, Exocet, singer and keyboardist of the Mexican band Los Yerbateros, released this album under the name Exocet. According to the musician himself, this production took several years to develop and was initially released two years ago. It was recently re-released on Bandcamp, presumably in search of listeners more attuned to this type of experimental work, which might otherwise be available elsewhere.
This seven-track album navigates between the reminiscences of 80s pop/rock and the technological spirit of today. There's a remarkable job done with the vocals and a sensitive selection of sounds in the instrumentation. If we're being hasty—and perhaps mistaken—we could label it "adult rock," but the result is far more enjoyable than what we usually hear on those radio stations trying to provide background music for the listener on their drive home.
Songs like Omen y Sand They confirm it.
Cochlea – Modus operandi
Now, the complete opposite. Welcome to chaos, disorder, and resounding riot. We're going to burst eardrums, bang our heads against walls, and try to blow our brains out in a bloody and fun way.
Warning: This record can produce involuntary facial movements, tremors in the lower extremities, ear infections, accelerated heart rate, complaints from your neighbors (it is recommended to play it at full volume if you want to be hated by your entire neighborhood), divorces and uncontrollable laughter.
From Chile, Cochlea produces NOISE, stridency that takes its revenge on the rest of humanity: therapy in the form of catharsis, insanity that cleanses the body.
Recommendations: Initially, enjoy it alone, with your headphones on tight, and avoid operating heavy machinery at the same time. Then show it to your friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends, and tell them before turning on the stereo that these five "ballads" are not for wimps or cowardly turkeys.
Listening to projects like this does the fighting spirit good at least once a week.
