Spanish guitarist and composer José Torres Vicente compels across the new EP Flamenco de Cuartito Vol.1 Cantaoras, producing a lovely aesthetic described as a fusing of “flamenco with lo-fi aesthetics and DIY culture.” Alongside the gorgeous instrumentation are immersive vocal performances, from four talented artists: Sara Holgado, Inma la Carbonera, Cristina Tovar, and Laura Madero. Their vocal performances invoke traditional flamenco, while Vicente tactfully infuses guitar, electronic elements, and field recordings within the accompanying instrumentation.
“SEGRUM” opens the release with an inviting rumba groove, expanding past the one-minute mark into crisper guitars and bouncy percussion as Holgado’s stirring vocals emerge. Coming next, “Roto” opts for ghostly electronics and beats instead, eschewing guitars as Inma la Carbonera’s soaring vocal work captivates amidst the glimmering synths and conversational backing field recordings.
Especially compelling is “Los rumbos perdíos,” which moves from mystique-filled guitar work into a vibrant bulería. Haunting intermingling of these guitars and Tovar’s vocals, such as past the one-minute turn, escalates seamlessly into more expressive energy — particularly across the final minute, where various guitar layers and enthused vocals enchant. Concluding the EP is “Junio en el Norte,” charming with a lusher mixture of bird-chirping, calming ukulele, and vocal introspection from Madero. Flamenco de Cuartito Vol.1 Cantaoras is a stirring display of beautiful electronic-infused flamenco from José Torres Vicente.
—
“Los rumbos perdíos” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
