For a band based in Puerto Rico, Balun are a world apart from the popular sounds of reggaeton, Ricky Martin and salsa. Instead they have developed a cult following with their distinctive electro-acoustic pop sound. Yes, pop. But this kind of loose classification does not really encapsulate the beautifully crafted, intricate whole that is the Balun sound. They deliver sweet harmonies, reminiscent of the rich textural landscape chartered by bands like Mum and Sigur Ros with the occasional dash of up-beat melodies.
While it’s only been a few years in the making, “Something Comes Our Way’ is a mature full-length debut. “Opening the Box’ sets the pace for the album with a gentle tweetering glitch aesthetic. Ethereal cries and childlike vocal cut-ups further haunt the track. Melodica and guitar ride a breeze of synth sounds in “The Surprise’ as it slowly builds with violin strings and sampled soft beats. The mood continues with “People’, a bouncy track where Balun’ extra secret weapon is revealed – Angelica Negron’ vocals. As the album progresses, it becomes evident that Angelica, along with fellow band members Jose Olivares and Andres Fontanez, are accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Since meeting in 2001 while studying music at the Conservatory they’ve been experimenting with keyboard, violin, harp, accordion, melodica, guitars and a slew of samplers, cd players and turntables. As a result, they’ve managed to craft a sound that makes pop seem more sensitive and down-tempo electronica less stern – a joy to listen to.
Renae Mason
