By José Gandue @spinning zone

I believe that, in my personal case, satisfaction and joy stem from curiosity. That is to say, I get excited when I encounter something or someone I don't know that brings with it a surprise, a slap in the face that wakes me up and confirms, once again, that the world is bigger than it seems. However, contrary to what some experts on the subject say, There's still so much to invent in music. There is so much to discover, so much to be grateful for when it reaches our ears. It is about overcoming the mediocrity of saying that everything has already been done and being so content with such a disappointing assumption.

I didn't know the Argentinian artist. Juana Aguirre, Until a few days ago, I was able to hear their EP The lights that were hidden (live) , a compilation of five songs recorded during their performances at Niceto Club and the Margarita Xirgu Theater, in Buenos Aires, in 2022 and 2023. From the cover to the labels that reveal the names of the songs, everything immediately catches the eye. On digital platformsOur records are presented as if they were digital files that shape the design of a secret construction, and it is simply the sum of the dates, the original names and the place where the sound was captured. Likewise, absolutely beautiful. But let's get to the music.

Let's start with the technical details: I don't have the data, but I must congratulate whoever was in charge of recording and mixing this material. The truth is that something was achieved here that is rarely accomplished: to feel that everything has been captured only for the listener, as if there were an intimate and exclusive contract between the artist and oneself. Only when the final applause fades does it sink in that many who had previously enjoyed what has now affectionately kicked us in the head. Now then, What does Juana Aguirre sound like? I will dare to call him «"space folklore"». That is, here There are elements taken from the folklore of the Southern Cone, and in turn this sounds like the soundtrack of an intergalactic journey. Without losing the value of the melodies (on the contrary, they grow in this environment), and playing exquisitely with the reverberations, Aguirre's serious voice, the use of acoustic instruments, and the intrusion of digital tools all fit together. It all sounds like Mass, but a reparative Mass., a caress to the soul. The best moment? When Aguirre performs Wavy Configurations, track included on their first album Chiaroscuro:

I saw your forest grow,
The impossible is possible.
I'm going in, I'm going in,
I'm going in, I'm going in.

Downhill,
your lines laid out.
Wavy configurations,
wavy desires.

Hot, then lukewarm,
ancient, ancient.
I'm going in, I'm going in,
I'm going in, I'm going in.

It sounds like a cliché to turn to Nietzsche at this moment to repeat that «"The life intended by the Creator would have no meaning without music, because without music life would be a mistake.", But it is only fair to acknowledge the satisfaction gained from listening to this music. It is not necessary to believe in any deity to approach that feeling; luckily, everything is more earthly and close. Luckily we have people like Juana Aguirre among us.

P.S. Investigating on their Instagram, I learned that Juana Aguirre will be in Bogotá on May 30th., playing at a place I don't know called Mechanics. If someone wants to invite me, I'd be happy to.