We Speak Music

Choca Blues Delivers Masterful Debut Album ‘The Wind’

Published

9 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

Waz-u drops ambient gem ‘Vermillion’ ft. Lilyg

Published

5 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Don Reed

London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.

Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’

‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.

Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.