Reels - dois

Reels

Dois
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

Ever wonder what would happen if someone tried to mix traditional Brazilian music such as tropicalia, samba and bossa with experimental guitar, electronics and samples.Yeah me neither until I listened to the latest album by Reels entitled Dois. Not only does he do this but he also does it extremely well. Reels takes rather unknown songs such as “Mais Balanco” or “Rio Show” and melds them into his own form of pop. Don’t be mistaken; there is also some great songwriting here.

He succeeds with his songwriting on songs like “The Interview” which is as catchy as it is lo-fi with sprinkled electronics that really are well placed in the songs. Other songs are more percussive and rely on the rhythm to gain the listeners’ attention like “Afro Brasileiro.” One of my favorite cuts called “Getup, Kids” reminded me of a chase scene from a movie. The percussive elements drive the song as the guitar comes and goes but it all wouldn’t work if the drums weren’t so rhythmically complex. The only thing that holds this album back at times is the production. I think if some of the organic instruments could have been captured in a more professional environment it would have greatly enhanced the results. That being said this is an incredibly unique album that meshes some unlikely elements and pulls it off. Take a listen for yourself because you won’t regret it.

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