Track of the Day: Razteria – Life is too short (2024)
With a back catalogue stretching almost two decades, US-based Razteria might be classed as a veteran musician, but there is nothing old or “back in the day” about this group. From 2005 to 2023, the critically acclaimed albums showcase a constant musical evolution keeping Razteria fresh while simultaneously threading a familiar link throughout the tunes. Transcending time, space and distance, the now six-piece proves that good music isn’t a set item but is fluid, constantly changing, and expresses creativity within all individuals.
At the core of the group, Renee Astoria Penaloza (vocals) and Dave Shul (guitar and bass) began writing music during the pandemic; then mutual acquaintances Ronnie Smith (drums), Bob Crawford (keys), Dave Casares (horns and saxophone), and Joel Baron (trumpet) joined the crew creating a soulful sound to entrance listeners. One of the most recent additions to Razteria’s repertoire is the single ‘Life is too short’.
Following the well-received ‘Clock stops ticking’ and ‘TIME’, ‘Life is too short’ weaves old-school soul and jazz with retro pop in a bright sonic tapestry. From the first chord, I immediately thought of those 1920 dancehalls with couples waltzing across the dancefloor. Tender, warm and charming with a romantic tinge fluttering along the glistening disco ball – perfect to woe your crush and act on giddy infatuation. Razteria explains:
“’Life is too short’ is meant to be a timeless love song, a ballad with a simple message to enjoy each and every moment of our sweet miraculous lives…”
Recorded and produced by Dave Shul, ‘Life is too short’ is an intricate composition but retains a heartfelt simplicity in its overall sound. The concoction of drums, guitar, keyboards and horns brims with a forceful rush of music… then again, its harmonic union adds a soothing veil to the layered track. Add Penaloza’s rich vocals, and you have a masterful symphony set to stir the butterflies in your tummy while simultaneously calming the storm in your breast.
In addition to the single, Razteria released an official music video for ‘Life is too short’. You can view the video below and on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Razteria on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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