There are some bands who need very little by way of an introduction to a DKFM audience. Resplandor fit firmly into that category. That said, stick with me while I introduce the band to a DKFM audience.
Based in the Netherlands, the band have been creating the most beautiful of gaze since the year 2000. Originally from Peru, the band has garnered global attention for their sonic signature. One that has caught the attention of members of The Cure, Ride, House of Love, and The Jesus and Mary Chain, not to mention Cocteau Twins and Slowdive, but more on that later.
They have been teasing their new album, Tristeza, with a couple of glorious singles. One of which kicks us off.
‘Blue’ is a pacy, lovelorn number. Founded on a wailing guitar line, the song drapes its many layers gently into my consciousness. By the time we get to the jet engine outro I’m fully hypnotised and smiling, ready for the next musical course on menu.
We disappear into a static-charged universe next with ‘Rêverie’. There’s a hallucinatory aspect to this track, it’s almost alien in composition. Whilst it’s so otherworldly, there are elements there to ground us. The luscious bassline, the robust and sturdy drums both steering the ship and keeping us safely on course. It’s the vocals that send us soaring into the stars. What I respect a lot is that Resplandor aren’t afraid of taking their time, letting the song unfold in the time it takes to unfold. Whilst this song clocks in at over eight minutes, it never outstays its welcome, quite the contrary.
The title track follows. A more grounded affair, it charges headlong into your consciousness with no resistance. Whilst I’m energised and excited by what I’m hearing, there’s something inherently comforting in the chords on ‘Tristeza’. A false stop midway through leads to the song being reborn anew with a glacial voyage to your heart. Guitars that snarled now soar and chime, ringing in the changes. It’s a beautifully executed musical moment.
‘Adore’ arrives on breathy vocals from both our singers. Light as a feather, they dance around each other whilst drums pound out a new pattern, more tribal than before. There’s a real nod back to the nineties sound with the guitar production. That familiarity the perfect foil for the longing vocals. It’s a hazy, sun-soaked trip and I loved it.
The sparse, moonlit intro to ‘Océano’ slowly opens up like a cloud filled sky, to reveal its true course. Staggeringly beautiful angelic vocals flutter in. I had to pinch myself as I was sure it was Liz Fraser herself. Around those vocals like an ocean-going vessel the guitars, true as a compass, guide the song to shore. The ascending chords leave you euphoric and reaching to play this song again and again.
As if that wasn’t enough beauty, ‘Feel’ opens on a fuzzed-out bass and guitars lifting the whole song skyward. We fly through the verses above the clouds soaking in the discordant soundscape. However, it’s the chorus. My god. The chorus just sends you hurtling into orbit high on the vocal harmonies and melody. Only to float there suspended in space surrounded by the beautiful feedback from our ascension until the inevitable decay sends us off into the void.
We are then treated to bonus track. ‘Silencio’. It’s an upbeat but yearning track. Hopeful and at the same time brokenhearted. It’s all hands on deck as we motor along at quite the speed: “everything all of the time” being the mantra here. This provides a song that demands your attention and rewards repeated listens.
I mentioned earlier that this band caught the attention of members of Cocteau Twins and Slowdive. Not only that but Robin Guthrie himself produced and mixed the album. His expertise deftly draws this band’s genius to the fore. Simon Scott, of Slowdive fame, lends his considerable skills to the mastering of the album, affording it that unmistakable sheen.
I only write about music I enjoy listening to, but Tristeza was something more. It’s not just a listening experience. This is an album you feel. I was whisked away on a magical journey for its 45 minutes. I will be again. Would you like to join me?
Tristeza is available now from Resplandor’s Bandcamp page on three different stunning vinyl variants and digitally. Don’t forget to follow the band on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
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