Now here’s more signs that the MPB new wave shows no intention of turning tide. Musician/producer Ana Frango Elétrico, one of the key pivots of today’s kaleidoscopic Rio scene is releasing a new album ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua’ via Mr Bongo/ selo Risco on 20th October.
An artist whose inspired production skills have helped power the resurgence of Brazilian pop over the last few years (she was a key force behind the award grabbing Bala Desejo/sim sim sim album reviewed by BSM in Feb), Ana has also been steadily crafting solo work of equal quality and distinction. The emotionally energised balladry of 2019’s ‘Little Electric Chicken Heart’ oozed with classic bossa and alt-pop aromas, claiming a grammy nomination itself for its sumptuous spread, while the 2020 singles (‘Mama Planta Baby‘ and ‘Mulher Homem Bicho‘) showed no let up in the momentum.
So ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua’ feels like an album that’s ready to make one of those bigger splashes, a statement of non-binary pride stepping out onto the dancefloor with a swirl of confidence. As Ana reveals the record’s driver is “showing, in means of sound, understandings and feelings about queer love, subjectively exposing myself “ but doing so through groove filled expression and uplift.
Preview track, the slippery disco-funking Electric Fish captures exactly what this means. It’s a shoulder rolling cut of bass stomps and slinky guitar chops, shifting between 80’s and 90’s shapes on a twirling mirror ball of pop styling. As the horn lines go pizzaz and the backing vocals coo, Ana Frango Elétrico’s vital voice skips between sweet and strong, soft and sultry, in a heady spin of ‘cigarettes’, ‘tobacco smoke’ and yes ‘electric fish’. A surreal, sensual nu-bossa banger with more to come – take note.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua‘ by Ana Frango Elétrico direct from Mr Bongo HERE
