Balthvs - Harvest
Harvest, the new record from the Colombian band Balthvs, merits easy comparisons to Khruangbin. The middle eastern flavor mixed with a bit of surf guitar are instantly relatable. When I was listen to the record, my wife thought it was new Khruangbin. The comparison for this record, in particular, is more than superficial. While Khruangbin's latest, A La Sala was recorded in a barn, Harvest was recorded in an equally rustic location, a tropical forest in the band's home country.
Recorded in a villa amidst lush tropical hills in Colombia, Harvest is optimistic, groovy and relaxing. The trio spent a month-long sojourn at a tropical summer house in La Mesa, Colombia to record. As the band recalls, “More than a studio we wanted to be inspired by nature. So we brought our recording equipment there and started working.”
Despite all that, upon closer inspection, Balthvs has their own unique qualities. The smooth and silky vocals, for instance, by Johanna Mercuriana on "Like Coconut Water" and "Lovin'" distinguish the Balthvs approach. There are more vocals in general on Harvest and their presence adds to the breezy atmosphere.
I have a feeling I'll be grooving to this album for some time.
Balthvs - Harvest (Bandcamp)
