Montanera A Flor De Piel

A Flor de Piel, the new album from singer-songwriter and composer Maria MonicaGutierrez (aka Montañera), is a meditative journey of self-discovery across oceans, time,and the traditional confines of genre. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Gutierrezbegan the album as a way to explore her identity after a difficult move to London left herfeeling untethered in a strange new place. The result is an examination of the immigrant'sexperience through a rich sonic lens of ambient pop textures, inspired by sources asdisparate as Colombian traditional music, traditional Senegalese music, and whalesongfrom the depths of the Atlantic.The album begins with the title track "A Flor de Piel," Gutierrez's indelible vocals floatingabove a vast expanse before being joined by deep, silky bass and the plucks of akoto-like stringed instrument. "The song was inspired by traditional Japanese music,"Gutierrez explains, "It's about making my heart a little lighter; I know that inside of me Ican be as light as mist in heat, I can be fragile as the song of a sparrow."That sentiment perfectly encapsulates much of what makes A Flor de Piel so special. Thealbum comes with a message of healing for all people, without forgetting the centuries ofstruggle and hurt that form the bedrock of modern society.The track "Santa Mar," for instance, is inspired by the musical traditions of afro-pacificwomen in Colombia, and the crucial role that they play as peacebuilders in the region.Backed by a hypnotic beat, the song features contributions from marimba player Cankita,alongside Las Cantadoras de Yerba Buena, an all-female vocal group that utilizestraditional Afro-Colombian music to preserve their history and promote peace.Standout track "Como Una Rama" is a futuristic take on bullerengue, a traditional style ofmusic and dance originally developed by Maroon communities on Colombia's Caribbeancoast. Deeply affecting, the song combines Gutierrez's indomitable voice withelectronics that recall Steve Reich's...