Terra d'Àgua
"Agosto" marks the return of serenity, Anadon and guest Jorge Fernando sharing a vocal duet, backing dominated by classical guitar, piano, and cello, all echoing one another's phrases. But don't relax just yet. "Mixtli" interposes an almost humorous sixties-style funky rock beat, instrumentally framed by cello, Anadon's vocal driving ahead of the beat on verses, a cello freak-out solo in the center, the whole a strikingly odd yet pleasing performance. Only on "Il Clown," with its deep cello opening and tinkling Portuguese guitar, does a desperate sadness seem to emerge from the mild melancholy suffusing the album. "A Lei da Canseira" is the most traditional-sounding track, with calm beat and bouncy hand percussion, Anadon and guest vocalist Paolo de Carvalho trading breathless, run-on verses, coming together in harmony on chorus. The closing track, "J. L.," offers more jazzy skat, this time with a stuttering beat and sax embellishment, lyrics reprising those of previous tracks in a context of frenetic self-doubt.
Viagem de um Som is a bit difficult to categorize, pert pop mixed with Iberian tradition and instrumental eccentricity, but is the more unique and enjoyable for it. - Jim Foley
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