The Chilean pop scene has been garnering so much attention recently that it has been very easy to forget about their neighbors, Argentina. That is about to change, as we’ve stumbled upon a great folk rock duo from the coastal city of Mar de Plata named Ave Pez. Formed by vocalists and guitarists Andrea Alegre and Diego Ripoli, the group recently released Microlugar; an airy album with hints of Argentinean folk, Celtic- influenced violins and beautiful melodies. It’s a different brand of rock nacional, and I’m liking what I’m hearing.
Microlugar, as the title suggests, is Ave Pez’s attempt to transport you into another world made up of coastal imagery and lyrics about love, loss and other things that make the world go ‘round. Alegre’s melodious voice is accompanied by equally sweet guitar riffs, but you can also hear a touch of nostalgia in each song. The group has an incredible sensibility, not only in their lyrics, but the way they approach their music. If their aim was to put listeners into a folk-like trance, they deliver with calm fury.
The beautiful string section is provided by accompanying musicians Rosario González Saenz on violin, and Marcos Casals Bonaldo on cello. The bombo leguero is played by Mariana Solino and Agustín Ripoli takes care of the bass and programming.
Microlugar is full of catchy tunes, and the album is as beautiful as it is intimate. This makes it one of those records that you can not only relate to easily, but that will also stay in your heart and record collection for months to come. And the best part is that Ave Pez is giving away the entire album as a free download on their Bandcamp page. Give it a listen; it might just take you to a peaceful place.