We Speak Music

Choca Blues Delivers Masterful Debut Album ‘The Wind’

Published

8 months ago

August 5, 2024

Choca Blues, a band born amidst the picturesque backdrop of San Marcos La Laguna, brings together an eclectic mix of musicians whose varied experiences and nationalities are mirrored in their music. The band members, hailing from Guatemala, the United States, and the Netherlands, have created a sound that is both unique and universally resonant, breaking free from conventional genre boundaries.

‘The Wind’ opens with its vibrant title track, setting the tone for a musical journey that traverses through various styles and moods. From the hauntingly beautiful ballad ‘Old Man’, with its country-inspired undertones, to the powerful closing anthem ‘Kabuki Dance’, Choca Blues delivers a masterful collection of songs that defy easy categorization. The album is a testament to the band’s ability to merge different musical worlds into a cohesive and compelling whole.

At the heart of Choca Blues is lead singer Delta Dina, whose powerful vocals anchor the album’s diverse soundscapes. Her voice, a force of nature in itself, navigates through the album’s eclectic mix of blues, rock, and country with effortless grace. Delta Dina’s vocal prowess is complemented by the skillful guitar work of Carlos Funk, whose mastery of the ‘National Resonator Style O’ guitar adds a distinctive edge to the band’s sound.

Supporting this dynamic duo is a formidable lineup of musicians: Laura Charnaud, known as ‘The Law’ on bass, Whitney Petty on drums and mandolin, and Zach Bluestown on harmonica. Each member brings a unique flavor to the band, contributing to the album’s rich and varied sonic landscape.

Choca Blues’ debut album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a musical voyage that reflects the band’s journey across continents and cultures. ‘The Wind’ invites listeners to experience the magic of a band that is redefining what it means to be a blues band in the modern era.

As they prepare for the release of a second album already on the horizon, Choca Blues continues to invite fans to join them on their musical adventure—a journey where tradition meets innovation and where the boundaries of genre are beautifully blurred.

For more information about Choca Blues and their debut album ‘The Wind’, visit their official website or follow them on social media. Join the conversation and be part of a musical journey that promises to resonate with audiences around the world.

We Speak Music

Ervin Munir Drops Second Studio Album, “Pure and Simple”

Published

3 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Emily

Returning with his second studio album, “Pure and Simple”, Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Ervin Munir impresses! Following his first album, “Broken Compass”, Ervin does not fail to enthral with a sound which is uniquely his own. Moreover, he emphasises love, grief and loss in this album which will take you on a trip to remember.

One of the highlights of “Pure and Simple” is its many collaborations with a versatile list of musicians, which give the album depth and edge. Tina Blaber’s vocals on “King and Doors” add extra dimension to the album and Aeron Z Jones’s contributions on bass, electric, and slide guitar bring newfound energy.

“Pure and Simple” finds the perfect mix between grandeur and intimacy right from beginning to end. ‘Felixstowe”, is one of the album’s best and it captures its emotional depth and employs a strong drum solo to accentuate its poignant delivery. It is stripped-back but very touching and it is a magnificent distillation of Ervin’s musical vision. “Doors” highlights Munir’s adaptability as his delicate piano playing accentuates Blaber’s harmonies and it produces a very personal feeling.

“Pure and Simple” is evidence of Ervin Munir’s musicianship, honest candour, and engaging songwriting. For everyone who values sincere narrative via song, this album is a must-listener providing times of contemplation and pure musical enjoyment.