Electronic: Pacifika - Asuncion

'Global' is the only right word to describe Pacifika. This Vancouver-based trio is comprised of a Peruvian singer with a love for flamenco, a dub infused bassist raised in Barbados, and a Canadian guitarist with roots in 80's new wave. That's eclectic for ya. The result is Asunción, an international yet unique sounding album filled with minimalistic electronic pop.

Opening track "Sol" will inevitably remind you of Aterciopelados, although the ethereal voice of singer Silvana Kane and the more spiritual sound and theme of this song are the only points of comparison. Nature is however a recurring theme on the album: also see the flamenco-infused "Paloma", the mystic "Las Olas", and the single "Me Caí". It's a great single, with warm percussion, guitars and delicate electronica provoking scenes of sunshine and happiness. More melodious merriness on "Oyeme", an uplifting and energetic song uniting the best of the poppy voice of Silvana and the skilled guitars of Adam Popowitz.

If Pacifika prove one thing, it's that they sure can relax. "Estrellas de Miel" is a jazzy acoustic song suited perfect for a late-night bar performance, "Cuatro Hijas" has Silvana in a sultry mood and floats on delicate guitar arpeggios, joined by warm and smooth cellos near the end.
The band thrives on subtlety: the percussion is at times barely more than a whisper, and you'll hear very few instruments used at the same time. This minimalistic approach results in some delicate jewels of songs, but at times I craved for more depth and harmony. On "Mas y Mas", dirty guitar contrasts with an angel's voice, but the climax feels incomplete without drums or percussion. Also, Silvana's bubblegum pop background sometimes shines through, like on the English-language "Sweet" or the bossa dub "Chiquita".

So Asunción is a great summer album, but nothing more. The album ends with "Las Olas", a relaxing soundscape of sea waves, guitar plucking and violins, not the only nice-but-not-great album filler. Still, I'm a fan of the sparkling and dynamic Pacifika you hear on "Me Caí", "Paloma" and "Oyeme".

Pacifika - Me Caí mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon
Pacifika - Oyeme mp3 buy@iTunes buy@Amazon