LogFAQs > #893726772

4. Arca - Arca
Key Track: Desafio (

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwXOgzmTbVU)

Some people just don't need help in life. Alejandro Ghersi has been one of the most extraordinarily talented electronic producers out there since the dawn of the decade, acting as a major force in defining the new spacey sound of R&B with acts like FKA Twigs and Kelela, as well as releasing mind-bending solo records which sounded like Autechre trying to make pop music inside a black hole. At some point in the last five years, he also co-produced three songs on Yeezus and became Bjrk's BFF and creative partner. Dude's doing alright.

So when it came out that he was following up 2015's utterly spellbinding instrumental album Mutant with what is essentially a pop record centred around his own voice, I would have had reason to be skeptical. But somehow I wasn't, and my faith was justified. Not only does Ghersi's voice complement his own beats more naturally than any collaborator ever has, but his voice might even be straight up better. It's utterly spine-tinglingly beautiful. The first minute of Piel, the opener here, isn't much more than Ghersi vocalising in Spanish, only accompanied by what sounds like a detuned radio. It's nearly two minutes before anything resembling an instrument appears. And it's utterly devastating. Arca's sonic exploration is just as powerful here as ever - from the numerous riveting instrumental tracks to the dramatic pop overtures of Reverie and Desafio - and the introduction of his vocals takes things to a whole other level. This is one of the most unique, powerful albums of the decade - simultaneously a totally engrossing sonic experience that one can't help get lost in, an intellectually fascinating exercise in sound manipulation and a straightforwardly heartbreaking expression of lost love. At this point, I'm not sure there's a single thing Ghersi can't do. If he wants to write my PhD thesis for me, he's more than welcome.
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