Much like Glass Beams, who I wrote about back in February, I suspect many will dismiss BALTHVS as just another Khruangbin knock-off because they also play exotic, psychedelia-laced funk. But that’ll be their loss because the Colombian trio’s music is thoroughly enjoyable, the perfect soundtrack for hot and lazy summer days. Or as they call it, “hypnotic chill vibes from Latin America, the Middle East, and the world.”
“Sun Colored Eyes” is the opening track on 2024’s Harvest, and it quickly sets the album’s mood. Balthazar Aguirre builds up layers of dreamily intricate guitar tones and melodies that possess a distinct Middle-eastern flavor, with Johanna Mercuriana’s graceful bassline enhancing the flow. Meanwhile, Santiago Lizcano’s hip-hop beat both anchors the song and keeps propelling it forward. “Hypnotic chill vibes,” indeed. Via Canned Dragons.
Harvest is currently available from Mixto Records.