Published by Davide Pappalardo on April 5, 2019
Spanish quartet Elemento Deserto (Antonio “Oso” Travé, Tony Molina, Dani Levy, Antonio Pelomono) debuted in 2016 with their first album Santoral, showing to the world their personal brand of alternative rock made of 70’s influences with blues, surf rock and psychedelic elements.
Now they return for the highly eclectic Austrian label Mai Lei Bel with their sophomore effort Los Montes En Llamas, in which they focus on their surf and blues elements even more, channeling 70’s and 60’s music and touching folk moments. Using both English and Spanish, they develop a sound which works both as an expression of their identity, both as an intentional effort.
Relative love starts the album with its nice guitar arpeggios and 60’s vocals, underlined by stronger lines and a controlled rhythm. Relaxed vibes and more defined moments find a common denominator thanks to their ability to fuse the two factors. Matanza kind of woman goes even deeper, showcasing a gentle whipping with melodic choruses and sunny atmospheres. Vintage keys and more acid elements end the not very long track, which works as a kind of pastiche.
Poor boy insane uses acid soundscapes and shrilling guitars adding a sort of Gothic vibe to the usually happier vibe of the band, surprising us with its post-punk tinged loops and the deeper vocal tone. We can think about a less brooding version of King Dude, but the band shows once again a personal touch thanks to its more rock-oriented nature. Guitar solos and technical structures explore the “prog” side of the assemble.
The Title track ends the album with its evocative and majestic sounds, following a way sadder muse which finds its nature thanks to slow guitar sounds and well developed reverbs. Old-school film-scores are a reference we can’t forget, following the instrumental flux of music. An emotional melody moves among the sharper elements, giving us a powerful crescendo.
Los Montes En Llamas is a work going well beyond its premises, surprising us during its second half with some darker undertones, while keeping its main themes and elements. Of course, if you are looking for a full-front post-punk work with the usual gray atmospheres and tormented vocals, you will be disappointed. But there is a sort of cloud on the horizon, ready to cover the sunny days evoked by most of their tracks. If you are open minded, give it a try.
Label: Mai Lei Bel
Rating: 7,5