Castle 2025
No Spam
Delivering a R&B defiance, globe-trotting chanteuse hits the nerve and the dancefloor.
An artist of Argentinian origin, who was born in Germany, grew up in Spain and resides in France, Sophie Alicia Glesius Pérez is bound to easily engage in any international vibe – and just as easily make it all generic. That’s a trap she seems to be well aware off, as the title of the young lady’s latest mini-album may suggest, yet there’s undeniable charm she applies to the handful of tracks on offer here. There’s also a sort of concept lurking in the shadows of the disco-styled pieces whose depth can’t stay hidden after this disc’s first spin, and whether Miszellany tries to step into space or walk on water on the record’s cover, her songs never fail to reflect the singer’s finely grounded airiness. Here’s an oxymoron to linger as an aftertaste and warrant repeated listening to the “No Spam” cuts.
While “What About Us” floats into focus with a whiff of acoustic strum to demonstrate how sultry Miszellany’s vocals are in a stripped-down setting before subtle beats find their way in, the simple balladry of “00866” is undermined by the by-numbers arrangement and the double-tracking of her voice until jazzy passages instill the sense of adventure in the platter’s flow. However, “Resistance Resiliense” marries Latino motifs to anthemic uplift of European sort, whereas the majestic intro of “Tantas Cosas” hardly prepares the audience for a heartfelt serenade which will turn into an arresting swirl of sounds projecting joie de vivre onto the ether just like “Are U Callable” does, quite passionately so. And then, there’s “Mirame” to bring things to a close with a tragic flourish and show the artist in a cinematic light.
A little more originality, and a new star may arise.
***2/3
