Chica & the Folder — Under The Balcony

Under the Balcony is a memorable collection of quirky and inventive electronica that slides between dance floor friendly beatscapes, retro electro washers, and theatricals. Mixing in organic elements like acoustic guitars, Steel drums, slap bass, etc.

The album has  a well travelled feeling to it darting from Latin influence vocals and instrumental flavour, to Arabic & Germanic flavours too,  but offten done in an over the top  theatrical, playful yet sleek manner. Weaving in big band and brass elements, as well as cinematic edges and throbbing eighties synth pumps. Most of the songs are fronted by the female rich & often sensual vocals of Paula Schopf, one half the creative duo behind the album, her voice going from warming Latin, to cold dance beat link, to dramtic.  There's a tuneful and dance based heart beating bellow almost every song here, so don’t expect things to get too way out, but it’s the clever way they weave in interesting and creative elements that makes this more rewarding than simply tuneful beat craft.

A pleasing and varied mix of musically colours and nations sounds all linked into  heady dance floor beat craft. Nicely keep the balance between danceabity,fun and inventiveness.