Hailing from Spain, berekekê is a one-man operation – a multi-instrumentalist who writes, performs, records, and produces his own music. And his latest full-length release, Historias de Nela (Nela´s Stories), is a solo tour-de-force; an eclectic collection of classical, ambient, sound-sculpting instrumentals based on the book Marianela by Benito Pérez Galdós. Does berekekê‘s musical interpretation provide the perfect soundtrack for this classic Spanish novel? Let’s dig in.
The first track, “Adelante, siempre adelante,” opens with crickets and a subtle flute before rolling into a march – it drives with staccato strings and impactful horns. This is certainly an attention-grabbing kick-off.
Track two, “En las entrañas: La Terrible,” starts with a violin before introducing a spacious section with timpani strikes over white noise. This is a brief track that proclaims something ominous.
“En las entrañas: galerías,” another soundscape, nests inside an airy column with sparkling and bouncy Moog-ish keys.
Starting with a glassy, breathy synth, “En las entrañas: un barco encallado” is suddenly, but briefly, chaotic until achieving discernible form through strings. Again, this is more of a soundscape – the creation of a musical environment to approach the novel’s more threatening tones.
“En las entrañas: La Trascava” is something brief and affecting. It opens with a vintage-sounding synth – like an air-gulping engine that eventually overheats. And with a clash of percussion, the ending becomes angelic with a singular synth voice.
“Guiados por Nela” is a welcome respite from the previous, gloomier soundscapes. With frolicking flutes, supportive horns, and dancing strings, this track edges into plaintive moments, but remains mostly upbeat. (And that old-timey, saloon-sounding piano is an unexpected, and appreciated, musical coloring).
Track number seven, “De miserias y miserables,” begins with quiet horns, quivering strings, subtle percussion, and something akin to vibes. And when the rest of berekeke’s electronic orchestra kicks in, it still presents something quiet and hidden.
“Un monstruo removiendo las entrañas de La Tierra” starts with a siren, and presumably the sounds of battle. The music is threatening and ominous since something horrifying is certainly afoot.
In “Negaré la evidencia,” we’re treated to violins, flute-like passages, and softly plucked staccatos. There are dalliances in the dark here, but overall, this is another upbeat procession.
“Nela y sus vicisitudes ante la Virgen” starts with a playfulness, and then takes a few sharp turns with a synth-chorus, harp, and powerful string passages. This is brief, but filled with clever ideas.
Craving more of that old-timey piano? Then turn up “Dichasde unos, desdichas de otros” – this brief interlude spotlights said piano with some accompanying strings and point-making percussion.
At only 22 seconds, “Un hombre de provecho en camino” is mostly melancholic, but the instrumental interaction implies modest cheer.
“Retando a la desesperación” opens with a rolling storm of horns, a chorus, and then, given space, a more delicate horn. Of course, that gentle passage is upset by harsh, angry interjections. This is a desperate piece reinvigorating themes stated earlier in the album
“La realidad la mató” features a sustain-heavy piano with very little accompaniment. This is an engaging piece that makes a statement because it mostly stands alone.
Album closer “Final” reintroduces a theme stated in the album’s beginnings. But this time, string passages are more hopeful, and the song ends, almost abruptly, on one of the album’s more promising chords. Honestly, I think this song needed a little more time to truly finalize the work, but it does manage to wrap things up effectively.
Looking for a classical, incredibly well-composed work that offers palpable musical environments along with powerful, morphing, and affecting themes? Then you’re going to love berekekê’s latest release, Historias de Nela (Nela´s Stories). Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to berekekê and check him out on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, and ReverbNation. Please support berekekê by visiting his website, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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