Essentially, nearly every conceivable musical endeavor has already been explored, given the limited palette of twelve notes and a finite number of musical scales available to artists. To truly innovate, musicians must embrace experimentation and an adventurous avant-garde attitude, even at the risk of sounding too unconventional. However, exceptions to this rule exist, such as Anthï, a musician and composer from Chile whose third album Algún Día Me Separaré De Mis Amigas stands out remarkably.

I typically approach labels like avant-pop or experimental music with caution. Yet, I found myself instantly captivated by one of the album's pre-release singles: La Deisi Moviendo La Cola Y Soñando Algo Feliz begins with subdued vocals, introducing a peculiar synth line that leads into an unconventional highly distorted organ solo. Accompanied by the background noise of a barking dog, the piece delicately treads the line between genius and insanity. This initial attraction prompted me to explore the entire album, revealing numerous outstanding tracks. While the avant-garde glitch-pop elements may pose an initial challenge, persistence unveils the splendid and unique sonic universe created by Anthï.

The short opening track Una Vida Que No Se Sienta Así sets a mellow and moody tone, perfectly suited to the warm climate of South America. Sol En Acuario follows with lively beats reminiscent of the enjoyable music of Dan Deacon, electronic music brimming with pop vibes and unforgettable hooks. Pov is a tropical-sounding track with a catchy melody, while Sexo Penetrativo is a more melancholic piece with an experimental ending. Embidia, performed on acoustic guitar or a similar stringed instrument and hand claps, exudes a warm summer feeling. Un Historial De Apegos Seguros Y Predecibles features lush synths and wobbly beats in an atmospheric composition.

The album's second half comprises fewer but longer tracks. The aforementioned single is followed by Otro Trio, featuring languid vocals and string arrangements. Anthï's expertise in orchestral music, highlighted by a Pulsar Award for their composition La Revolución Será Con Cumbias O No Será, is evident. The title track, a shorter piece with a lively rhythm and a captivating melody, is succeeded by La Regla De Ora, borrowing the keyboard sound from Steve Roach's ambient classic Reflections In Suspension, although at a more danceable tempo.

While much of the music carries a happy and hopeful tone, an undeniable undercurrent of sadness pervades, addressing themes such as trauma, failed connections, isolation and gender identity. Anthï, when not composing orchestral pieces, crafts exquisitely nuanced avant-pop music deserving of a broader audience. Algún Día Me Separaré De Mis Amigas transcends musical boundaries, offering a truly unique experience. The exceptional sense of melody and mood in these otherworldly songs ensures their haunting presence long after the record concludes

10 songs

39:56 minutes

***** ****

Genre: avant pop

Label: Genome 6.66Mbp

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