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Review: Ava Luna – Electric Balloon

Electric Balloon is the second major release from the Brooklyn-based quintet Ava Luna, following their 2012 EP Ice Level. In the seven years since their inception, the band has assumed various guises, and sounds, and even different members, but now they finally seem to have settled into an individual and recognisable sound. While they retain the under-produced harmonically challenging vocal melodies and low-fi, minimalist guitar riffs, the album is a more coherent and mature work than their previous efforts. Lead singer Carlos Hernandez’s sensitive and intelligent writing shows through in the restrained instrumentation, rich, defiant harmonies, and stark changes in tempo.

Opening track ‘Daydream’ is a frantic rush of sharp and caustic tones; the combination of snappy, syncopated drums, Hernandez’s falsetto and the stripped down distorted guitar is reminiscent of Lonelady’s album Nerve up. The title track features a repeating synthesiser bass line with CDOASS-style vocals and clipped drums. ‘Aquarium’, revolves around a mesmerising, galloping drum track, paired to Hernandez’s discordant acoustic guitar and vocal musings. Electric Balloon is not a relaxing album, but it is rich, interesting, challenging and ultimately a rewarding listen.

Rating: 4/5

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