Having crossed paths for a decade, Philly musicians Liz Fullerton and Ish Quintero finally committed to working together as Loma Suyo in 2019. Enticed by the possibilities of merging Fullerton’s singer/songwriting approach with Quintero’s percussive, downtempo electronica and inspired by their shared Latin American upbringings their first release arrived in 2020 with the delicate acoustics of ‘Oriana’. Two years later came ‘Agata’ which honed their distinctive fusion vibes and now we have ‘Paloma’. Released via the ever-vibrant groove-ologists Earthly Measures, it’s an album that sees Fullerton and Quintero again widening the Loma Suyo soundscape but maintaining their bearings as they do.
‘Paloma’ still has Fullerton’s fresh, natural vocals and Quintero’s sensitive guitar at the heart of the songs, check into the frisky percussive breeze of Los Andes for evidence. It’s a track which brings a subtle twist to trad Columbian melodicism, weaving guitar lines and crisp vocal delivery into a vibrant pop ripple. Opener Gavilán hints at the pair’s progression though, a twanging ngoni/mbira combo giving the tune a purring West African sway topped with dream-wave vibes and sprightly gaita flute hooks. There’s more afrobeat riffery to be had on Tiempo a la Soledad which merges a tender, padding bass line with harp-toned guitar sprinkles. More surprisingly a light psychedelic haze drifts through the song as Fullerton’s voice echoes and harmonica’s sigh.
It would be misleading to pitch ‘Paloma’ as an expansive production. Things are kept clean, crisp and economic, emphasising authenticity and a live feel. The quirky cumbia of Olor De Tu Tierra gets close to the effortless spontaneity of the Meridian Brothers, all retro organ, charango trills and cool jazz trumpet breaks. So this is the work of a partnership that clearly understand the power of a ‘less is more’ approach. Loma Suyo’s eye for the small sonic detail is enough to distinguish their latin-folk creations. The way that the saz and tiple guitar add to the close stitched embroidery of sound on the sultry bossa of Loca Por Ti is so persuasive. Similarly La Caridad becomes a jaunty ballad with a surreal tweak as Quintero’s banjo and ronroco guitar skip around some slick hand percussion while Fullerton’s whisper-coated voice contemplates.
As the album progresses Loma Suyo also discreetly filter in more electro- flavourings. From the haunting starkness of Colibri, all muted strums, synth shimmers and the slow tick of trap beats, to the down tempo folktronica of Have, Quintero’s trip-hop sensibility adds another dimension to this genuinely engaging release. These tracks are probably the most open-ended here but in no way are they allowed to ramble aimlessly.
Ultimately as Loma Suyo, Fullerton and Quintero keep within the structure of song to tell their stories, which allows ‘Paloma’ to open its arms to the listener. Take the New Age mood of Somewhere Somehow as it floats celestially amongst the flickering guitars, slow heart beats and dovetailing harmonies. Even more welcoming there’s Como Mi Amor which brings Fullerton’s Americana influences further into the open. A light waltz, banjo peels plus a Roaches-esque honesty and ache lifts the tune beyond being over sweet to a place of everyday realism.
‘Paloma’ is an album that captures the soft confluence of styles while maintaining a refreshing flow. It’s not turbulent, it’s not becalmed but deceptively refreshing.
Get your copy of ‘Paloma’ by Loma Suyo direct from Earthly Measures
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