Terra Mãe
Atlantic Curve/Schubert, 2025
9/10
A collaboration between Jules Maxwell, LINA_ and Portuguese composer, poet and singer Amélia Muge, the 9 tracks here surround the poetic connections between Ireland and Portugal, and they touch on love and longing.
“Arde sem se ver (Follow The Dove)” opens and uses Lina_’s expressive voice alongside strong attention to mood that’s melodic and lush, and “Não Deixei de Ser Quem Sou (The Person I Always Was)” follows with ambience and electronics that emit mystery, culture and emotion.
In the middle, “Entre o Ser e o Estar (Wishful Thinking)” welcomes soft piano and intimate singing that unfolds via a poetic quality, while “Milagres (Miracles)” shimmers with plenty of pop sensibilities that are dreamy and dance floor ready.
Arriving near the end, “Falcão na corda bamba (Hawk On A High Wire)”, one of the album’s best, is full of bright textures and powerful singing, and “When are they coming?” exits with gentle keys and stirring vocals that tug on the heartstrings.
An artistic, original and worldly effort, the grooves and synthetic versus organic presence ensures an enlightening and spiritual experience like few others.
Travels well with: Lina- Fado Camões; Jules Maxwell- Songs From The Cultural Backwater