Originalitos

Album review

Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker's first album as Frankie Reyes, 2016's Boleros Valses y Más, was a set of traditional Latin melodies played on an Oberheim synthesizer, along with just a MIDI sequencer and an effects unit. The follow-up uses the exact same limited setup, but consists entirely of Reyes' own compositions, and runs a few tracks shorter. The mood is pretty much identical to that of the first record -- the songs feel detached, ethereal, and moonlit, like they're being performed unobtrusively in the corner of a cocktail lounge to a small crowd on the mellow side. However, while functional as background music, the compositions reward close attention, as they're filled with complex figures and intricate melodies. The track titles all point to the comforting nostalgia of reflecting on family life growing up in Puerto Rico, mainly expressing sweet, cheerful feelings with pieces such as "En Mi Barrio" and "Tiempos Pasados." "Mis Abuelos" is more carefree and joyous, while "Ven Mamacita" feels a bit more emotionally charged and teary-eyed. "Dulzura Puertorriqueña" and "Tirando Piedras" are the album's knottiest, most technical compositions, but "Dolores Son Flores" is softer, more hesitant, and deeply meditative. The whole thing goes by in just 22 minutes, making for a brief but pleasant side trip into the zone of Reyes' childhood memories.
© Paul Simpson /TiVo