Whether releasing solo albums or working as a collaborative, the music of Echeverri and Buitrago never fail to transcend social and language barriers. With their latest release “Rio”, the duo continues to musically voice their activism focusing on environmental issues such as the deteriorating state of Colombia’s drinking water and that of its natural resources.
{sidebar id=140}Without the use of metaphors that often allow the listener to draw up their own conclusion as to what the song implies, the simple-yet powerful lyrics of “Rio” are an honest and whole-hearted insight as to what the duo believes needs to be brought to attention. “Rio” gives us something to think about. Aside from the Caribbean-folklore that makes Aterciopelados’ music the free spirit, trance dance music that we’ve all learned to sweigh to, the message within its context forces you to stop, listen and reflect. “Quien dice cual es la bandera que sobre un pedazo de tierra ondea…quien dijo que un trozo de tela cierra las puertas y las fronteras…” (Translation: “Who says which is the flag that over a piece of land ripples…who said that a piece of cloth closes the doors and the border…”) is the duos response to border politics and government limitations that through the track “Banderas” the pair draws attention to.
Perhaps one of the few Grammy Award winning musical artists who use their musical ingenuity to raise social consciousness, Aterciopelados sings about stuff that is often heard in the underground spoken word scene where artists and lyricists congregate to evoke dialect of social issues and awareness. Joining the group in this “Río” quest are guests such as Andrea’s daughter, Milagros who in “Ataque de risas” lends her voice as second vocals. Colombian rapper Gloria "Goyo" Martínez performs in “28” as well as Kapary Walka who partakes in "Madre" and "Agüita.
“Rio” forces you to log out of my space, put your iphone/BlackBerry down and stop to think about the things that according to this album, really matter in life such as Mother Nature. “Rio” floods stores on October 21st but is currently being leaked through an iTunes presale order where buyers receive a sneak peek at the albums first single “Rio” and get an exclusive "Errante Diamante" track which is not found on the tangible album itself.
“Río” is recommended when you need a slap of reality. Best if listened to while home alone laying on your bed barefoot and bare of possessions that, more often than not, tint our perspective on the simple and meaningful things in life.
My favorite tracks: “Bandera”, “Tomate” and “Aguita”
1.) Río
2.) Tréboles
3.) 28
4.) Día Paranormal
5.) Gratis
6.) Vals
7.) Madre
8.) Bandera
9.) Ataque de Risa
10.) Hijos de Tigre
11.) No llores
12.) Tomate
13.) Aguita
Label: Nacional Records
Lyrics: Aterciopelados (except for the flow in “28” which was written by Goyo Martinez)
