In mint condition, and a bit mental.

Picture yourself as part of a rather succesful musical project. Then take that relative success out of the equation. Going solo can be a little overwhelming, even scary, if that means leaving that place of comfort you where standing on. That’s what Laura Romero did when she decided to bring Mint Parker to life. Even when the creative effort required in writing a good album is considerable, developing with it a whole new artistic persona brings the task to a different level.  She wrote a good album, filled with heartfelt songs that mostly reflect the sorrow of someone who has seen better days.  Even though a shaded grey operates as the general tone throughout the album, there are little moments of light that shine brighter, contributing to the overall balance of a otherwise sadly mooded record.  It sounds as if Mint went trough a lot, but with the help of the Mentals (her band), she finally got out safe on the other side. And with a nice little piece of honest music in her hand.

http://www.mint.com.uy/

http://www.myspace.com/mintexperience

http://twitter.com/mintparker

Feelin' anxious?

Ansiedad is Fede Graña’s first solo album. All of his previous ventures have been as part of bands, as Vieja Historia and Verde. So this, as some sort of test, a crucial test to establish his ability to function as the main creative force behind a musical project, is one that he passed with excellence, proving himself to be a skilled composer and a talented lyricist.

Oscillating between clever ballads, great folk melodies and some powerful rock moments, Graña gives us a small insight into what appears to be going on inside a very productive and creative artistic mind.  Even though the album is driven by this strange feeling that runs between resignation and despair, he found the perfect mix. Climates and moods are blended with such perfection that there’s no question this is an autobiographically conceived album.

“Ansiedad” means  anxiety. It’s a conflict that needs to be resolved, and conflict is the most powerful fuel that artistic creation has. This album seems to be past that conflict. It seems to be the tool used to overcome that conflict. It looks as though he succeeded. 

http://www.fedegrana.com/

Ansiedad by Fede Graña