Relax is a fitting title for this 11-track album that's firmly set on chill mode. Brazilian producer and instrumentalist Alexandre Kassin is in a reflective mood, as he focuses on the nature of modern love, relationships and breakups. Samba and Latin pop-minded vibes are the order of the day.
Opening number "Comprimidos Demais" sets the stage nicely, with a breezily constructed number that functions as the aural equivalent of floating. Title track "Relax" comes off like a late '90s disco-soul ditty, with its note-perfect brass and bass in effect. "Estricnina" takes advantage of reverb and a bottom-heavy organ to serve up a plucky piece of soul.
A bouncy bass guitar hits levels of wistfulness on "As Coisa Que Nos Nao Fizemo," and while Kassin's vocals aren't quite up to the task, "A Paisagem Morta" mines a Jackson Five-esque intro for a throwback midtempo bossa nova groove. The baroque notes of "Enquanto Desaba o Mundo" come off haunting and alive at once. Relax is equal parts light, dark, pessimistic and hopeful.
(Luaka Bop)Opening number "Comprimidos Demais" sets the stage nicely, with a breezily constructed number that functions as the aural equivalent of floating. Title track "Relax" comes off like a late '90s disco-soul ditty, with its note-perfect brass and bass in effect. "Estricnina" takes advantage of reverb and a bottom-heavy organ to serve up a plucky piece of soul.
A bouncy bass guitar hits levels of wistfulness on "As Coisa Que Nos Nao Fizemo," and while Kassin's vocals aren't quite up to the task, "A Paisagem Morta" mines a Jackson Five-esque intro for a throwback midtempo bossa nova groove. The baroque notes of "Enquanto Desaba o Mundo" come off haunting and alive at once. Relax is equal parts light, dark, pessimistic and hopeful.
