ATALAYA – La Sed Review

What does ATALAYA sound like?

Chilean folktronica with a deep groove.

The review of ‘La Sed’ by ATALAYA

SPEC is one of the co-founders of Chilean folktronica trio Matanza and SPEC has teamed up with fellow Chilean singer-songwriter Fernando Milagros to create ATALAYA. This new musical duo aim to mix global and local sounds to create what ATALAYA call “glocal” music. Inspired by acoustic instruments, root rhythms and localised vocals, the past is given a modern twist with technology adding its own electronic flair into the mix.

‘Todo Cae’ opens the EP with a deep, resonant bassline and throbbing kick beat. Subwoofers will be warbling on steroids during this track as much of the sound frequency is taking place at a soul-shaking low level. The vocals feel primal and foreboding and considering the English translation of the song title is Everything Falls, it makes sense. The standout here is the serpentine synths. They twirl, curl, recoil, slither around the track like tendrils, and colour the song in a groovy but ambiguous tone. ‘Subiré’ has more interplay between the acoustic guitars and trance synths that bubble and burst around the rhythmic beats. The rolling hand percussion mixed in with the electric beats and subtle plinking synths makes this a fantastic example of folktronica you could take to a party. Its catchy chorus helps sell its approachable side too.

The title track follows and ATALAYA teams up with Juan Flores for a deeply ritualistic and spirited piece. The track oscillates between two uncomfortable rising chords and the ominous synths lay the foundations for the seductive acoustic guitar solo and the haunted vocals. The backing vocals are processed like distant screams through a haunted TV. Ghosts are in the machine and all is not well as Juan’s distorted lead vocal entices you into an uneasy world of spirits and personal truths. The EP closes out with ‘Dile que me fuí’ which is full of numbing synth pads that drench local Chilean instrumentation and forest sounds. The beats borrow subtly from a Reggaeton edge before adding Chilean flair to it. When it comes to the idea of glocal music, this track nails the assignment.

What strikes me across the EP is how ambiguous ‘La Sed’ is. The rhythms are strong and meaty but the chords and vocal delivery are often downcast or foreboding. The Chilean guitars have a happy twang to them but they balance that with mournful regret too. Rainforest and nature sounds seep in and out but rarely bring comfort or warmth. The whole EP is danceable but there is an element of danger hiding in the rhythms. ATALAYA has crafted such a curiously balanced sound that carries the uplifting and regretful side of spirit-folk, I’m extremely excited to hear where the duo take us in the future. There isn’t anyone delivering music with this duality of tone and fans of folktronica, downtempo and South American organic electronica should check this out immediately.

Recommended track: Todo Cae

---

---

Support Higher Plain Music

Higher Plain Music is part of the Higher Plain Network – a one-man indie media project. If you like what I do, please consider supporting me via Patreon for as little as $1/£1 a month. In return, you’ll receive additional perks for supporting me, such as behind-the-scenes content and free downloads. You can also donate using PayPal. Sharing the website helps too or using the affiliate buy now links on reviews. I receive a few pence per Amazon sale. All your support will enable me to produce better content, more often. I’d love to make this a full-time media network and your support can make that happen. Thank you.