By José Gandour. Photos from the Victoria Real archives.
For first listeners The Lesson, the third album by the Argentinian artist Royal Victory, There is one piece of advice I can give you that will sound very common, but on this occasion it is more necessary than ever: Separate yourself from the rest of humanity for 18 minutes, without apologizing to anyone. Simply separate yourself from the human herd that usually surrounds you, put on your headphones, and listen. Don't speak, don't offer opinions. Instead, discover every detail revealed throughout six songs. where Victoria herself has played all the instruments you hear (guitars, vocals, pads, synth, bass and drums) And, since this album barely exceeds fifteen minutes, indulge yourself by repeating it to continue identifying each element, each detail that is part of the solid structure of this production.
The Lesson It contains a wealth of complex textures that move between moments of rough love, sonic challenge, and elegant excitement. This album wants to break the mold and doesn't intend to please anyone, but it's impossible not to adore every fragment that makes it up. Here, the provocation is relentless, where the harshness intensifies with the help of a series of electronic components that amplify the energetic potential of each cut. And here's another piece of advice: Don't forget that we are dealing with a complete guitarist, who at only 23 years old moved to Paris to study at Guitar Craft, having as his teacher none other than Robert Fripp, British musician, composer and producer famous for his work in King Crimson. This is a rock album, no doubt about it. And one of the best you'll hear these days around this part of the world.
To top it all off, the last track is a cover, a bold move: Nothing less than David Bowie. Victoria indulges herself by putting on her own version of The Heart Filthy Lesson, originally included in Outside, album released in 1995. Her performance is fearless and she rises to the challenge., Adding mystery and power to its execution. In short, here's a great album that, once you take off your headphones after several listens, you can share with all your loved ones. You won't regret it.
