Arde

by Tom SemioliThis multifaceted Spanish sextet's first official release in the United States is a diverse collection of instrumental and vocal compositions that draw from classical, jazz, pop, rock, electronic, avant-garde, and Spanish music, among other styles. Abel Hernandez' singing style is quite reminiscent of Leonard Cohen's dark and brooding baritone as he quietly speaks/croons over a cinematic backdrop of sound created by a melange of strings, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, percussion, and accordion. Arde is a low-key affair, relying on ethereal and hypnotic arrangements and slow tempos. However, there is a distinct pop sense to the album, especially in the track "Suburban Empty Move Theatre," which breaks into an ambient samba that catches fire. The underlying theme of this record is reflected in "Times of Disaster," a track laden with the sounds of car crashes and breaking glass, which details that life has no guarantees, but the road is lined with beautiful moments.