As For The Future
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
An NYC outfit with a penchant for Brazilian sounds, As For The Future incorporate bossa nova and samba into their rock, jazz and folk hybrid.
“Don’t Do It Again” opens with much warmth, where Ray Rizzo’s rhythmic drumming is met with Ryan Kerbele’s well timed trombone and many harmonic voices, and “Koan For The Music Business” follows with David Lizmi’s frisky bass that suits the light melodies that welcome Mauro Refosco’s many percussive instruments.
The middle track belongs to “My Therapist”, where David Nagler’s smooth nylon guitar and Stephanie Sanders’ intimate keys make for a distinct softness, while “The Mob” showcases the infectious voices of Alexia Bomtempo and Nagler amid a frisky rhythm section.
“Letters On The Line” and “Looking Around” exit the listen. The former is a playful album highlight that’s bright and upbeat with flowing vocals and cozy instrumentation, and the latter finishes with Mauro Refosco’s strong attention to atmosphere that complements Bomtempo’s gorgeous voice.
An eclectic and charming body of work, there’s much worldly flavor here, where nods to Vampire Weekend and Kings of Convenience will be appreciated, and elements of Chico Buarque, Gal Costa and Gilberto Gil are present, too.
Travels well with: Lynn Drury- High Tide; Benjamin Jayne- Broken