Brujo – RFT (2022)
Known for their engaging and energetic performances, US-based group Brujo can easily ensnare your senses. Yet, while they are building a loyal following with their gigs, their music is intoxicating listeners across the globe. Personally, I had not heard of Brujo before, but my eyes were opened when their music came across my virtual desk – in a good way. The latest addition to their discography is the two-track EP RFT.
Described by Edgar Allan Poets as being absolutely perfect with impeccable production, interpretation and performance (I paraphrase, of course), Brujo is infiltrating the blogosphere with good feedback. In their EP RFT, the band combine retro rock with a slathering of jazz taking people back to the sounds of yesteryear. The thing is, while Brujo’s band does have a nostalgic quality, they have a contemporary edginess that is highly distinctive.
While I adore the band’s retro rock sound, it is the innovation of Brujo that keeps me transfixed. In the opening track ‘RFT’, we are introduced to the lads with heavy, hard-hitting drums meets guitar arrangements before sliding into a pop-inspired vintage sound ala Elvis Costello. Hard-hitting to smooth, bold arrogance to gentle laidback vibes, it is this creativity that makes Brujo entirely unique.
The second half of this genre-defying track takes shape in the song ‘Albatross’. Once again highlighting their creativity, innovation and impeccable performance, Brujo slides jazz between the old-school rock. Lighter and with a groovier design, ‘Albatross’ brings you down to earth after the soul-soaring ‘RFT’.
Reminding me greatly of those 70s rock bands I grew up listening to, Brujo easily turned my head from the first chord. The revolutionaries of jazz-rock in contemporary society, this quartet is perfection personified.
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