Savath + Savalas Mañana

[Warp; 2004]

Rating: 4/5

Styles: Catalano Folk, Experimental Lounge, Orchestral
Others: Lô Borges, Milton Nascimento, Broadcast, Via Tania

There's not a whole lot to say about Scott Herren that I haven't already said. I think he's one of the most talented musicians making music today. In a year when I began to feel like music was becoming somewhat stale, his passion for various types of music inspired me to search out Spanish folk and Brazilian bossa nova from the '60s and '70s. But what makes it possible for Herren to release album after album of material that makes me keep coming back for more? Other than the obvious fact that his records are always fresh, I'm not really sure. What I do know, however, is that there doesn't seem to be even the slightest lag anywhere in his catalog.

Keep in mind that Herren and Muns have already given me my favorite album of the year with Apropa't, so when I found out there was a supplemental EP, I jumped at the opportunity to immediately add it to the collection. Mañana is obviously from the same session as Apropa't, but appears simply to be a reworking of those ideas. The one thing from the Herren repertoire that has been added back is the signature Savath/Prefuse computer manipulation. The effects are quite simple and don't overpower the original intent of producing gentle sounding melodies. My assumption tells me that Mañana is the result of Herren taking this music back to his cave and just playing with them due to his seeming inability to sit still.

While Mañana may only be an extension of the already near-perfect Apropa't, there are some subtle changes. It's still an essential purchase. I'm always excited to see where Mr. Prefuse/Savath/Delarosa will take me next. I'm positive that wherever the next road is, he'll travel it with the greatest of intention and make some of the best music he can possibly muster. And these days it only takes him about six months to get some new material ready for release. As for me, all I have to do is sit back and wait.

1. Interludio Inconcreto
2. Sota l'aigua
3. Dema Vindra
4. Ya Estoy de Vuelta
5. No Puedo de Cidir
6. Sense Pressa
7. Interludio Humedo
8. Equipatage de Flors Seques