Aterciopelados- Claroscuro

In 1992 Aterciopelados was born as a project between Andrea Echeverri and Héctor Buitrago. This duo from Colombia has been successful from the very beginning and they continue to be an iconic Latin-rock band. They are most known for their songs "El Album", "Baracunatana", and "Luz Azul" amongst many others. Throughout their career they have been nominated for several Grammy's and have won several Latin Grammy's. It's the unique dynamic this duo has and heir amazing talent that has allowed them to thrive and keep spreading their music throughout the world! 

It's 2018, twenty-five years since the release of their first album and Aterciopelados has recently released their eighth album called "Claroscura". It's so good that I have been playing it on loop all week. It definitely reflects the "sound" that Acterciopelados is most known for, but it also reflects this element of contrast and contradiction that the album title suggests. Besides reflecting "light" and "dark" elements, there is a maturity that surrounds the album and there is political consciousness as well.I could not have put it better, but "the album is a delicious sancocho (stew) where contemporary sounds are mixed with down-beat cumbia, Andean airs, electro punk, Bogota rock, and futuristic sounds."

It also reflects on experiences like that of being a woman. It also empowers women, especially in the song "Despierta Mujer", which says : 

"Despierta mujer, suena el wake up call
Sal de la mátrix, siente tu matriz
A sembrar maíz, me llama el país
De amarte a ti, recuerda tu rol

Salvaje mujer, echate a correr
Esos arquetipos hay que abandonar
Hora de crecer y de florecer
Tu templo y tu piel vas a atesorar

Van las poderosas, las valerosas, las generosas"

The song "Piernas" is a fantastic and humorous song that speaks about self-love no matter how one is. Cellulite and all. "Soñemos un Bosque" is peaceful throughout and it's full of hypnotizing chanting of the song title itself. "Duo" is a rock-pop song that is very catchy in itself. You will finding yourself singing, "dúo dinámico, surrealismo mágico, dúo dinámico, somos un clásico" over and over.

Overall, "Claroscura" is a fantastic album and it is so enjoyable whether you are a long-time Aterciopelados fan or a firs-time listener! It's a must!