Founded in 1984 in Brazil’s federal capital of Brasília, Finis Africae features a cast of rotating musicians around the core members Juan A. Arteche, Luis Delgado, and Javier Bergia. Their self-titled debut is both vast and exploratory while tastefully integrating musical traditions from around the world. “El Secreto De Las 12” is the second track off the record, and it begins with a field recording from the depths of the rainforest, before melting into a soft pattering rhythm by a hand drum. Zithers and wood flutes join in to create a soothing and textured track that’s unforgettable. “Bahia De Los Genoveses” has a similar quality but with a listlessness that somehow makes it equally as satisfying. The track “Hybla” is relaxed with poly rhythm that’s more pronounced than most of the record. A choir of voices sing in harmony in the mid range of the track, which produces a quality that’s both ghostlike and ethereal. This record is perfect for an alt spa day or warm and mellow weekends.
– Tana Yonas
Recommended – A2 El Secreto De Las 12, B2 Hybla
A1 Radio Tarifa
A2 El Secreto De Las 12
A3 Luna
A4 Zoo Zulu
B1 Juana Y Rosalia
B2 Hybla
B3 Managua
B4 Bahia De Los Genoveses
Juan Alberto Arteche – Accordion, Tambourine [Adufe], Flute [Aulos], Autoharp, Bass, Bombo, Cuatro, Electric Guitar, Mandolin, Panpipes [Sicu], Olga Roman – Sitar, Percussion [Slit Drum], Synthesizer, Voice
Backing Vocals
Paco Espinoza – Bass
Luis Delgado – Bass, Synthesizer, Hurdy Gurdy [Sanfona]
Javier Bergia – Cymbal, Goblet Drum [Darbouka], Guitar, Oud, Tabla, Tar (Drum), Violin, Voice
Ignacio “El Buho” – Flute
Seju Monzon – Flute, Saxophone
Javier Bergia, J. Alberto Arteche – Written-By