Belanova, a synth-pop band from Mexico, is to Natalia LaFourcade as the Postal Service is to Death Cab For Cutie - a more electronic, melody-driven offspring of its parent. Well, not exactly. Actually, I was surprised to find out that the Belanova singer is not LaFourcade; it is a 20-something from Sinaloa named Denisse Guerrero who dabbles in fashion design and culinary arts. The Mexican hipster culture seems to be producing spades of gorgeous and multi-talented female singers. Yet another is Ximena Sariñana, who may be the most talented of the bunch.
Dulce Beat is Belanova's Grammy-winning second album. The songs that got the most airplay in Mexico are "Mi Niño" and "Por Ti" but my favorite is "Tal Vez." I happen to like the sound even though I admit there's not much to it. The whole album covers mostly the same territory - strong vocal hooks with a beat that sort of lulls the music on. The bass, guitar, and drums are there but they exist mostly in the background. Still, at the least the quality is consistent and there's enough of Guerrero to keep the listener interested.
The comparison between LaFourcade and Guerrero comes and goes. Much of Belanova plays well besides LaFourcade's "Otra Vez" - I hear a lot of overlap in the way the two singers reach for the high notes - but to me Guerrero thrives in the "Fantasia Pop" setting (also the title of the group's next album) where LaFourcade shines most in bossa nova.
Youtube Link:
Belanova - Tal Vez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCK1RkC8-ZA
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