Latin pop

Cupéro

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0000

When I found out Clarissa Cupéro was only nineteen years old, I did a double take. Her gritty alto is substantial, forceful; it speaks of experience. Cupéro, a New York state native, is currently a student at Sienna College, and in addition to taking classes, she performs her songs for campus benefits (including concerts to aid student organizations such as Students Active for Ending Rape). She is still unsigned to a label, but self-released her self-titled EP last year through The Cutting Room in Greenwich Village.

This bilingual album is pervaded by driving rhythms, aggressive yet playful guitar riffs, and of course, Cupéro’s meaty vocals. The influence of classic rock artists is evident in the guitar-centric instrumentals, but her self-assured lyrics make it her own. The first track, “I’ve Got Your Number,” prompted me to dance around my apartment the first time I popped the disc into the player. The lyrics speak of experience beyond her years with a confidence and independence that is believable:

I’ve got your number, baby, I’m not digging the way you’re steering me, You’re changing me... I believe in what I stand for, Dignity, oh can’t you see?

This track, which has elicited unexpected success, is this generation’s cure for the epidemic of dependence women often feel towards any lover that will give them attention. Cupéro is strong enough to recognize a toxic relationship, and joyfully maintains her independence, asserting her agency.

Her love for Colombian rock artist Juanes is evident in the track “La Sombra”, whose Latin flair shows her flexibility as a musician to combine various styles, and once again, make this self-proclaimed wallflower get the urge to dance. Cupéro lays down a contemplative piano track on “Life is a Moment,” which along with the addition of strings, adds a thoughtful depth to the EP. “You’ll Never Be There” treats the age-old ailment of unrequited love with a positive, almost flippant attitude; as the last track, this piece rounds out the album nicely, leaving the listener with Clarissa’s sense of self and empowerment.

All six tracks exhibit an aspect of Cupéro’s resilient, albeit human personality, and display her lovely voice in concert with riffs that are simultaneously catchy and classic. I definitely look forward to hearing more from this young woman in the future. Her drive and tenacity got her noticed by two producers in the small Greenwich Village recording studio, so I am certain that as she matures and finishes her studies, she will have more music to share, and won’t stop until she gets the big break she deserves.

Written by: Cristin Colvin, January 5th 2010

My Heart’s Desire

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:44:00 +0000

By Margo Reymundo

I’m tossing my reviewer’s hat on the floor for this album because it’s hard to be objective about a record that I loved from the first time I played it. I tend to associate certain albums or songs with a memory or time that stands out in my mind, and I will always associate this one with summer 2009.

When I listen to Margo Reymundo’s music, there’s a lightness and carefree quality to it that makes the day seem just a little brighter even on an overcast day. It’s almost like taking a mental vacation and imagining yourself on a tropical beach drinking margaritas. But don't mistake that lightness for a lack of substance because Reymundo is no artistic slouch when it comes to her vocals and instrumentation.

Reymundo describes her sound as “Organica.” She describes Organica as “articulating a world constructed of unfettered vocals that rivals anything created with a synthesized sound.” Whether it’s the jazzy pop sound of the title track “My Heart’s Desire,” or her unique take on Sting’s “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” Reymundo has a unique appeal that transcends artistic and cultural boundaries. My favorite song is “You Belong to Me,” a Euro-rhythmic version of the Carly Simon classic. Reymundo’s Mexican roots are apparent in her bilingual lyrics and the guitar instrumentation that is reminiscent of the Gipsy Kings. Reymundo isn’t afraid to tackle these classics and make them her own while somehow remaining true to the original. For example, hearing her sing “Ain’t No Sunshine” makes you forget that the song is about a man missing a woman. I don't think I’ve ever heard a woman cover that song before, but by the end of the song, I’m a convert.

Reymundo has an interesting life story. She is a classically trained singer who has been singing since the age of four. Her father, a cliff diver in Acapulco and her mother, a flamenco dancer, came to the states (Dallas, Texas) when Margo was one year old in search of a better life. The rest, as they say, is history.

Written by: Gita Tewari, July 10th 2009

Seconds from Sunrise

admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:03:00 +0000

By Soundside

Mystery Sound Records

Soundside is a group of four high school friends from Long Island. They’ve had mild success on the east coast since they teamed up in 2004. Seconds from Sunrise is their third full-length album and it appears that they are continuing on the track of commercial success.

Overall, Soundside has mastered harmonious vocals by belting out melodious pop songs that all tend to blend together for anyone who’s not of fan of the genre. Having already had some radio air time, it’s easy to see how they would fit into a set-list quite nicely between music like Nickelback and Better Than Ezra.

However, one aspect of their music that makes them stand out from the rest of these other alt-rock groups is their extension into the Latin market. The Spanish traces on Seconds from Sunrise can be heard in their synchronized melodies. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long to see how they take their music in that direction because their first bilingual album is set to come out soon. It will be interesting to hear how their new path will progress their sounds stylistically and drive possible variations into their otherwise generic tunes. One can see from [Seconds from Sunrise](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MG3EKY?ie=UTF8&tag=feminrevie-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001MG3EKY) that Soundside has the ability to write pleasing pop songs that range from the more drum and bass tracks like “Driving on Empty” to the piano accompanied ballad “Right to Your Insides” isn’t lacking in style. Unfortunately, at this time, they’re not really doing anything we haven’t heard from other bands many times before. This group seems fated for stadium-sized shows or doomed to be a forgettable opening act. Sometimes luck has more value than talent in the music industry.

Written by: Sara Custer, April 14th 2009