Alex E. Chávez has earned the title of “borderland sonic theorist” as a consequence of his multifaceted contributions to music and academia. A distinguished member of the Chicago-based band Dos Santos, Chávez can be an achieved scholar, having penned the insightful guide Sounds of Crossing: Music, Migration, and the Aural Poetics of Huapango Arribeño. His deep-rooted ardour for music composition and efficiency, coupled along with his dedication to ethnomusicology, culminated in his first solo album, Sonorous Current. This challenge originated from an improvised efficiency in 2019, drawing inspiration from the musical themes and poetic parts of his acclaimed guide. The album in the end took form with the assistance of a bunch of proficient musicians and the artistic steering of Chávez’s longtime buddy and producer, Quetzal Flores.
Followers of Chávez’s work with Dos Santos—notably their critically lauded albums Logos (2018) and Metropolis of Mirrors (2021)—will acknowledge his affinity for mixing numerous genres that defy typical categorization. In Sonorous Current, he furthers this exploration, using conventional musical types enhanced by the incorporation of discipline recordings that lend a cinematic high quality to the album. A outstanding spoken phrase section by the esteemed poet Roger Reeves elevates the work, reinforcing its emotional depth. The intricate fusion of those parts, mixed with the outstanding skills and dedication of all contributors, makes Sonorous Current an exceptionally enriching and sometimes breathtaking listening expertise.
The album opens with “Luz,” a delicate observe that instantly defies listener expectations. Chávez’s soothing vocals, accompanied by the nuanced strumming of acoustic guitar and stylish trumpet prospers, are additional enriched by ethereal synthesizer notes that add a dreamy layer to the sound. Within the poignant single “Cómplices De Luto,” Chávez’s voice intertwines with Laura Cambrón’s, accompanied by deeply emotive string preparations. The album is profoundly influenced by the current losses of Chávez’s mother and father and sister, infusing his performances with uncooked and heartfelt emotion.
Roger Reeves’s spoken phrase compositions present a robust sense of unity to the album. His verses open the observe “Communique” and resonate via the bold piece “Soiled Fingers,” which additionally options pulsating distorted bass strains and complex horn preparations. Reeves’s contributions will not be restricted to those tracks however are woven all through “Malagueña,” “Cuerpo Presente,” and “The Shadow.” The experimental use of lo-fi samples in “Dando Los Días” injects an virtually surreal high quality, whereas “La Bruma” presents a ravishing juxtaposition via its light melody and the gritty texture of its percussion. Moreover, discipline recordings in tracks reminiscent of “Odessa” improve the immersive journey for the listener.
The emotional panorama of Sonorous Current revolves extensively round themes of grief. This sentiment is especially palpable in songs like “Refugios,” which channels a soulful Latin-infused essence paying homage to Fifties American soul music. Martha Gonzalez’s stirring vocals intensify this environment, pushing the boundaries of emotion additional. Usually described as an elegy, Sonorous Current may evoke a way of disappointment for some; nevertheless, in a revealing interview featured in a mini-documentary concerning the album’s creation, Reeves provides an alternate perspective: “Sometimes, we consider elegies as expressions of sorrow; but, they essentially have a good time one thing cherished. You can not mourn what you haven’t liked.”
