Album Details

• Artist: Helado Negro
• Album: Awe One
• Label: Asthmatic Kitty
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2010-04-20

In today's artist from the globe availability, music can be enjoyed without understanding the lyricism. Perhaps were a bit late on this review but Helado Negro is the definitive example of global dominance in a foreign language. Calmly edgy like Pink Floyd but electronically enhanced just right. Add in the twinge of across the board brass and string, and Awe Owe is selective melodies for the masses to enjoy.

Probably the best track here, "Santero" has a blend like few I've encountered. Aggressively passive and all the trimmings of chant acoustirock, bonfire sold seperately. The steps taken on post production, such as fade and echoes were tastefully done. The opening track, "Venceremos" has a full-bodied acoustic layering. Like the deep steps of a jungle walk soundtrack, this entire recording has nature and nuture. "Espuma Negra" thrives with a progressive arrangement of basic instrumentation and atmospheric vocals. The chorus invites an additional vocalist and tempering to the overall rhythm. "Dahum" is more skipbeat based, quite sped up but still as calming as can be. Half through the track Sax and Flute stabilize a bold and memorable harmony.

Like an African Tribal Orchestra with a contemporary mind, the artist behind this mythodically glued creation is one Roberto Carlos Lange. By far, he has created a recording that will not soon be forgotten around these parts. Full of mountains, valleys and the big blue, Awe Owe has a confidence and professionalism that will play great host to get togethers, house cleaning or even reading. This is the kind of music that inspires the learning of a new language. 4 out of 5!

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