Andres Subercaseaux

"Aqui" CD

Triple Down Records

Genre: indie pop, electronic, pop

New York City

Dec 22, 2008

Aqui is a critic's nightmare - an eclectic album that is next to impossible to describe. Although it is a joy to experience, when it comes to putting pen to paper (or, more accurately, fingers to keys) this album quickly becomes a pain in the ass. Perhaps best described as an electro-popster, Subercaseaux crafts several charming pop tunes on Aqui and frequently fits them with swift electronic beats. Prime examples are "Satsko" and "Here." However, to stick to such a narrow description neglects all of this disc's deviations, as well as the unconventional approach Subercaseaux takes to "pop" - such as the funky electro of "The Illiest". Plus, some of the best compositions are the most improbable - "In My World" is a slow and hazy length of vaguely Versus-esque dream-pop, and "Saw" is a whimsical instrumental with a distinctly film noir feel. The urge to describe is a critic's universal, although clearly sometimes it's best to let the music do the talking. Although Aqui's eclecticism can make it difficult to grasp on to, there's pretty much something for everyone on these thirteen songs.

andres' myspace

80%

youuuuuuuutube!: "exit" video

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 13 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2008]