Fai

Chronique

First released on Spanish label Acualrela and re-issued on Darla, Mus' debut is a treasure that fuses elements of trip-hop, ambient pop and film noir (with the soundtracks of John Barry acting as a big influence). The deep strings and light percussion are melded together wonderfully, while Monica Vacas' vocals sink in effortlessly. Opener "Los Dies, Les Coses" immediately demonstrates the breathy, gorgeous vocals of Vacas, as her Spanish lyrics glide amongst a stream of such things as flute and high-end piano. A saxophone and brisk yet gentle beat give moments such as "La Paura" a worldbeat dimension, while "Cande" is a soundtrack -inspired piece that would fit into a '60s spy film. A more conventional "song" comes with the eight-minute "La d'amor," where Nacho Vegas (a well known artist in Spain) sings elegantly with Vacas. Though later on Mus would shift their instrumentation, Fai was good enough to have Grant "Daddy G" Marshall of Massive Attack proclaim his love for these recordings.

© Kenyon Hopkin /TiVo