Back catalogue: Rock (All)

Review: You always know what you are going to get from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45 series and that is pure fire in musical form. This 100th release suggests the label has no intention of slowing down nor is it running low on top source material. This one from As Meninas on the A-side has beautiful female vocal-group arrangements with flutes that soar up top and plenty of ass-shaking samba shuffles down low. It's a tune that oozes soul and charm and was first released back in 1967. It's a super sweet but short song that is backed with 'Brasileiro' on the flip. It's taken from Jorginho Telles' self-titled 1971 album on Copacabana Records and mixes up raw guitar sounds with r&b vibes into something unusual and alluring.

Review: A thousand miles away from the beating musical hearts of Rio and Sao Paulo in the late 70s, the Brazilian city of Belem gave rise to a little-known record label called Erla - Estudio Rauland. Though not prolific in its output, the label made up for it in quality and experimental offerings, with several records on the label now becoming sought-after pieces among collectors. One such release is the sublime four-track psych, MPB, and rock EP by singer-songwriter Jarbas Mariz. Though the EP 'Transas Do Futuro' was recorded in 1977, it gained inspiration from the psychedelic hippy idols of the previous decade ,and could easily have been a soundtrack to an acid trip scene in an obscure Brazilian movie. Lo-fi and quirky, there are moments of beauty and splendour but also hints of darkness. At points Jarbas will have you drifting through a folk flute daydream, the next moment a growling, psych-distorted guitar breaks and parts the calm. An ability to make those elements blend cohesively is where Jarbas' true brilliance shines through.

Review: Ana Frango Eletrico's first ever reissue, Little Electric Chicken Heart, follows up 2023's most recent record Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua. Surfacing after Mr. Bongo were met with a string of requests to reissue the album not long after its original release in 2019, we're once more compelled to consider the album's merits and what makes the enjoyment of it tick. More of an establishment of style and talent than an exploration of a concept, the album is noted for its fusion of chamber pop, rock and samba, across a vintage palette that defies any overarching categorisation.

Review: The forthcoming collaboration between anaiis and Grupo Cosmo presents a captivating fusion of contemporary soul and Brazilian musical traditions. The album features tracks like 'Toda Cor' and 'Voyage,' which blend anaiis's soulful vocals with Grupo Cosmo's rich instrumentation, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This milky vinyl LP offers listeners a unique auditory experience, highlighting the seamless integration of diverse musical styles.

Review: Vapor is the fifth album from Sao Paulo Afro-Brazilian heavyweights Bixiga 70, breaking a four-year hiatus to bring you sizzling grooves played with an intensity which is all their own. There's a streak of 70s psych running through these full-bodied jams which splices with the rolling Afrobeat grooves and the piquant brass section - the results are as explosive as you would expect. It's worth noting the changes within the band and in the world around them since they last laid down recordings, so you can consider Vapour a re-birth of sorts for this nine-strong powerhouse.

Review: O Terno's evolution from 60s-inspired rock to their latest album shows a bold departure from mainstream expectations. While their earlier work hinted at potential commercial success akin to Los Hermanos, the band chose a path less traveled, embracing subversive melodies and instrumentation. Their latest offering is a perfect example to this artistic evolution. seamlessly blends intimate arrangements with a full-band approach, resulting in a captivating sonic experience. Tracks like 'O Bilhete' exude a raw, close-up intimacy, while 'E no Final' delivers cinematic grandeur. Lyrically, the album navigates diverse themes, from sociopolitical commentary to introspective musings. A standout collaboration with Devendra Banhart and Shintaro Sakamoto on 'Volta E Meia' adds depth, exploring themes of romance and self-discovery. Overall, is a beautifully crafted record that defies genre conventions, cementing O Terno's status as innovative trailblazers in the Brazilian music scene.