When we say “My Alma Latina” takes you on a journey, it’s no exaggeration. Each song on this record sounds as though you’re probing in a vast, deep rainforest, either uncertain or certain of what you may find. There’s a lot of precision within the instrumentals, given this EP’s heavy Latin influence.
Michellar, also known as Michelle Bond, considers herself as a full-fledged artist, moreso a painter with the way she makes and expresses through her music. Taking childhood and overall background into account, Michellar aims to connect with audiences that share the same experiences as her.
The explorative, mystery-esque track “The Deep (Latin Version)” starts us off. It features Christina Rntd, as well as harmonies that are reminiscent of powerful duet performances that complete the song as a whole. It complements the wandering instrumental, as it takes its sweet time accompanying the lines and the progression in general. The guitar parts are really intricate, as it concludes the song with a beautiful solo.
Michellar collaborates with Lloyd Miller intensively, who is a producer at Spirit Song Studios. Most of the tracks, including “Ave Maria”, “Samba With Me”, and “If Its Only For One Night” all feature him, which says a lot about their shared passion for this project.
The clarity and charm in “Samba With Me” are off the charts. It paints you a picture of a shimmering shore (courtesy of the moon), or a fairy light-lit restaurant by the beach with an acoustic duo serenading guests with this very song. The chorus is catchy and easy to remember, prompting audiences to come back around more than a few times. It’s the type of song to be considered as ‘old but gold’ just because of how timeless it sounds.
“Ave Maria” is almost a continuation of the first track, except the vibe has somewhat shifted, amping and nudging the tempo a bit. It’s songs like this where listeners get to appreciate the vocals not only through the words uttered, but also by how they soar and harmonize with their counterparts. This one is a fresh outlook on a well-known prayer; it’s got groove, and it may be the perfect candidate for worship events. Moreover, “If Its Only For One Night” has the same aura. The vocals are truly remarkable with how they stick every note perfectly, pushing through the whole thing with ease and grace.
You don’t always get music like this, as it emits personality and genuinity. It’s not put together just for the sake of creating something, but also for the sake of connecting and hopefully meaning something for another. Is this EP worth a listen? Absolutely.
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About the Author
A psychology major with a knack for music and writing. Mostly indulges in alternative rock, indie, and pop punk.
