Exploring the innovative Soundscapes of Mabe Fratti
In recent years, Guatemalan cellist Mabe Fratti has carved out a notable niche in the world of avant-garde music.Her solo endeavors are complemented by collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Efterklang and the improvisational ensemble Amor Muere, which she co-founded in Mexico city.Together with her partner, guitarist Hector Tosta, they form the duo known as Beefy. Their debut album released in 2023, Vidrio, exemplifies a unique fusion of genres that spans from experimental jazz saxophone to vibrant drum rhythms and intricately manipulated cello sounds—all anchored by Fratti’s ethereal falsetto. This album signifies the inception of a community that celebrates both creativity and memorable melodies.
The Evolution of sound in Hagen
Their latest project titled Hagen further cements their artistic identity by infusing their distinctive sound with an invigorating pop flair. The opening track “Lágrima del Sol” sets this tone through minimalist hand claps combined with distorted guitar riffs that create a rhythmic base for Fratti’s enchanting melody reminiscent of childhood lullabies; shortly after, dynamic drumming elevates the energy level significantly. Just when it seems chaos might ensue within the song’s structure, it unexpectedly transitions into an homage to ’80s synth-pop—Fratti’s delicate vocals glide over resonant toms akin to Phil Collins’ style alongside sparkling keyboard notes—a delightful twist that recurs throughout the album.
A Dark Yet Cathartic Experience
The album also features cathartic moments steeped in darkness; tracks like “Gotera” unleash thunderous steel blast beats beneath Fratti’s elongated vocal lines while “Gallina Degollada” presents relentless drums paired with growling bass lines creating an intense atmosphere. This striking balance highlights one of Hagen’s key achievements—a redefinition of pop music that revels in its unsettling yet infectious qualities.
This Month’s Noteworthy Releases
This month also brings exciting new releases such as colombian artist Lucrecia Dalt’s A hazard to Ourselves (RVNG intl), which features intimate vocal melodies intertwined with minimalist drum loops designed to captivate listeners’ attention effectively. Moroccan producer Guedra Guedra’s latest work,Mutant (Smugglers Blueprint),continues his exploration of North African rhythms by blending traditional dabke and gnawa percussion patterns within electronic frameworks for dancefloor-ready tracks.
Additionally, West African percussion ensemble Balimaya Challenge’s collaboration with Colombian group Discos Pacífico All Stars’ taggedCalima (Jazz Re:freshed), offers an enticing blend between African heritage sounds such as highlife or rumba seamlessly fused alongside Latin jazz horns—all held together by an unyielding groove.