Juana Molina - Un Dia
Mouthed beats combine with hand claps and whistles to make this a thoroughly warm, organic and most definitely human recording
Juana Molina (say it out loud!) is the owner of a great name, with Un Dia being the fifth LP credited to it. More often than not Molina’s voice is the foremost instrument explored; her eccentric humming, “aah”-ing and mouthed beats combine with hand claps and whistles to make this a thoroughly warm, organic and most definitely human recording. The tone changes, however, with songs like Lo Dejamos - where cooler synth lines and electronically manufactured effects take the lead role, providing an interesting contrast. With rhythm at its centre, comparisons could be drawn to the driving ‘motorik’ motion of Harmonia; the layered loops and pulses sharing a similar hypnotic, mellow quality. Whether you get lost, fully immersing yourself in Un Dia's muiti-stranded textures, or let its moods gently lap over you, stay on your guard as you never know what kind of trip this whimsical record may take you on. [Emma Smith]