Baiuca - Solpor

REVELING IN THE EXOTICISM OF ISLAND LIFE

From the outside looking in, Baiuca's Solpor near-instantly piqued curiosity. Tribal music never disappoints, especially when merged with modern takes on percussion-led genres like Deep House and UK Bass. Add personable Galician singing and summertime sunset flourish and it's hard to misstep when aesthetics are as rich as this. Sure, the gravity of Solpor never seems imperative, intent relaxing on the edges of outcast party life, but the vicarious drums and vocals both seductive (from the women) and barbaric (from the men) make this a satisfying, albeit cursory debut.

'Muíño' begins the LP with its most assailant tone, one that creeps through dense woodlands with war drums and clarion bagpipes. Yes, bagpipes. And they work wonders. However, Baiuca quickly does away with the gripping aura for soil more pleasurable. The undulating synthesizer of 'Solaina' - bearing a surprising resemblance to early 2010's Synthwave - meshes eloquently with the DIY instrumentation and chanting calls. 'Arrieiro' and 'Solpor' advance this concept as well, drawing on the utterly human nature of its inhabitants, who seem welcoming for all outsiders stumbling upon their sound. I'm reminded of Clap! Clap!'s brand of African-infused UK Bass, one that's rich and genial, even if it's a tad appropriating. Baiuca avoids that by staying true to his Galician origins, though, disappointingly so, Solpor runs out of steam rounding the corner to the homestretch. Tracks like 'Brétema' and 'Arume' waft in the spiritual air of Emancipator's brand of Downtempo, one that's exacting and regurgitative. For an album so potent out of the gate it's hard not to see ideas run scant when 'Mozas' rolls around, even in spite of the 33-minute runtime. Regardless, Baiuca's brand of ingratiated Electronica can satisfy those far and wide, despite the brew remaining a favorite of home.