By José Gandue @spinning zone
🎉 From supervised dancing to liberated rhythm
I recall some episodes of teenage parties, where the trick to having a good time—at least—was something good- It was knowing how to dance the merengue decently. (usually performed by artists from Quisqueya), to achieve a little physical contact with the current company. All in a conservative environment, with parents and trusted adults watching every move. In that context, Smelling the neck or hair of your dance partner for a few moments was, without exaggeration, the permitted climax of the night.
The strategy consisted of turning around with a certain grace to the frenetic rhythm, using hands and legs with agility to subtly squeeze, testing if there was chemistry in the air. Merengue, which usually ranges between 120 and 160 BPM (beats per minute), carried that rhythmic urgency that forced you to move... and fantasize. At those parties of beardless youths covered in acne and raging hormones, the music became the perfect soundtrack for our lustful thoughts and our shy plans for early pleasure.
Yes, times have changed. There are no more chaperones keeping watch, nor is there a need to choreograph tactics to approach someone. And luckily, the music that moves us has changed too. Mula, the Dominican trio, It wasn't played at those teenage parties, but if it had been on the speakers, it surely would have made our hearts race even more. Today, with his new album, Eternal, They take merengue —and everything that vibrates from the Caribbean— to a different plane: electronic, sensual, free. A space where you no longer have to ask permission to dance or to play whatever you want.
🌀 What does Mula sound like? A Caribbean blender
How to define Mula without dying in the attempt? Let's use the musical blender: The glass contains old-school Caribbean vertigo, but instead of large orchestras, we use modern machines to deploy the percussion. To that foundation we added a generous dose of contemporary pop, a dash of Latin American drama, and vocals subtly enhanced with vocoders and reverb. On top of all that, we sprinkled uninhibited seduction, both in the singing and the lyrics. The result: an indie product that flirts with commercial intent without losing the ability to surprise or the elegance of avoiding cheesiness.
Perhaps that's why Mula has become one of the leading lights of the Dominican alternative sound, consolidating its global presence through tours and festivals. and a proposal that is as original as it is catchy.
💿 Eterna: collaborations, pulse and brilliant moments
In Eternal participate such outstanding artists as Javiera Mena, Lao Ra, Niña Dioz, Lucía Tacchetti and Jessy Bulbo. In just over 38 minutes and twelve tracks, the album offers splendid material. After listening to it for several hours straight (my neighbors probably hate me), I'm inclined to say Without Permission as the best song: a fun tune that effortlessly blends elements of hip hop, electro and synthpop. Letón Pé collaborates with her, a rising talent we shouldn't lose track of in the coming years.
In short, parties have changed—and luckily, today's teenagers are more outgoing than before. They can dance and freely enjoy events like this, a piece that the girls from Mula will surely make famous across the globe. Let's hope so. It's an impeccable production.
Album cover for "Eterna", Mula
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🎧 Listen to Eterna from beginning to end:
Want to discover other artists who are shaping the alternative music scene in Latin America? Visit our section Females.