Placenta
International Anthem, 2024
8/10
The percussionist, producer, curator, and communicator Carlos Niño brings us a 4th collection with his friends, where his recent step into fatherhood greatly influences the songs.
“Love To All The Doulas!” opens with much warmth, where Nate Mercereau’s well timed french horn adds a haze of mystery, and “Some Rest For The Midwives…” follows with Jamire Williams’ drums, painting and dancing alongside Sam Gendel’s alto sax and pedals for a unique and meditative climate.
Moving into the middle, “In Appreciation of Chico Hamilton's Vast Influence on the West Coast Sound” benefits much from Mercereau’s atmospheric guitar synth and pedals that emit much ambience, while “This "I" was not” showcases Ariel Kalma’s intriguing spoken word, Surya Botofasina’s moody organ and Annelise’s atypical percussion for a bit of a sci-fi moment.
Landing close to the end, “Generous Pelvis” recruits Adam Rudolph’s dubbed Hindewhu and voice amid Deantoni Parks’ diverse drums for the album’s best via the cinematic swells and galloping backdrop, and “Play Kerri Chandler's RAIN” exits with Surya Botofasina’s meticulous synth presence that often seems like a collage of field recordings meeting at a very therapeutic intersection.
A highly unclassifiable affair that touches on New Age, psychedelic and artistic qualities, Niño brings plenty of unpredictability to a very enlightening experience.
Travels well with: Cassie Kinoshi’s Seed- Gratitude; Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly- Mestizx