Introducing Darià Artiola and their captivating musical journey, where melodies meet memories and rhythms intertwine with emotions. With the creative prowess of IK Miranda, Antonio Rubio, and Albert Aran, each note becomes a story in itself, out there for the listener to indulge in and interpret for themselves. Keep reading for my thoughts on their latest work, “If Memories Had Eyes”!
The 14-piece album is dotted with high-energy pop numbers that bring a unique and distinctive twist to the genre with jazz-like brushed drumming and cymbal-riding, and it all starts with the opener, “Building”– a track filled with soulful vocals that sound uplifting, and clean electric guitars that build the energy up and down rather elegantly, not once going astray throughout the runtime of the song.
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“Building” sets the stage perfectly for the next track, “This Ain’t Hollywood”, a more uptempo retro-pop number that sees some play with the synths, creating a very Gesaffelstein sound, especially in the refrains and the seconds just before the vast oceans that manifest as choruses here. There is excellent bass-playing that keeps an engaging groove throughout the track as well.
“Even Kings And Queens” is another standout on “If Memories Had Eyes”, bringing its droning, long-drawn vocal lines that would sound just as home as ska would in a cocktail bar- and the dual-tracked vocals create a whole other aspect of dimensionality to the song. The vocal processing stands out particularly well on this one, with a lot of play going on in the energy as well as the atmosphere of the song.
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As we move towards the middle of “If Memories Had Eyes”, we’re met with tracks like “When You’re Off Alone”, a track that plays perfectly between the icy skylines of the synth pads and the warm body of the guitars that make for a listen impressive beyond the track has any right to be– and the way the elements grow together become cherishable quite fast; and as the song bids us adieu, we’re left feeling poignant as we reach for the repeat button.
The production on this album is excellent in that it gets the fundamentals of Darià’s sound on the nail- a jazzy twist on pop sounds with some interplay from shoegaze elements like the distant, chiming guitars; all setting the stage handsomely for the vocals that retain their candour and punch effortlessly throughout. The mixing and mastering also stands out with its power and balance that remains consistent through every track, and between tracks, earning a smile from me.
All in all, “If Memories Had Eyes”, by Darià Artiola- a legitimately excellent album that is a delight to listen to– and gets the basics so right. Check out the album here!
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