By Rodrigo Ricardo @hhdrums
Panta Rhei: concept attributed to the philosopher Heraclitus, which outlines that everything is in constant change. And this is what can be perceived in this new EP from the Costa Rican band Mountain, regarding his previous work The Other World, which I reviewed earlier.
And that's because in Panta Rey, The mountaineers have moved away from their experimental sound and are now presenting a more solid, defined composition and a clearer production. This time, we are faced with a simple, less pretentious, more honest product., without meaning to imply that the quality of the music has decreased. On the contrary, musically I have always believed that less is more and in each track it is clear that this is the intention.
This work consists of four short, punk-like songs (the longest is 3:36), each of which seems like a continuation of the previous one. They have a sonic connection, so to speak.. The vocal melodies move very comfortably with the passing of the seconds and notes, perfectly complemented by a guitar with simple effects, easy-to-listen-to harmonies; a well-equalized and percussively aligned bass with a drum kit that maintains its raw sound, without too much manipulation in the production. All within a slightly melancholic but optimistic atmosphere.
This new effort by Monte (the reader will forgive the redundancy) seems effortless. It flows naturally. Everything fits together perfectly without much effort. The result: an indie EP that's enjoyable from the very first listen. The only bad thing about it is its short duration. Although, I believe, the goal is to leave the listener wanting more, which they achieve perfectly… There, one thanks Costa Rica for having given birth to these talented musicians and asks that it keeps them healthy and creative.
I recommend it without hesitation. Panta Rey. If you want an auditory balm, listen to it again and again. I'm sure you'll find yourself with renewed energy and Their hopes in musical humanity will be reborn.