Maguinha - TATĂš
Rock, Alternative
New York, U.S.
Overall Impression: In "TATÚ", Maguinha has not just whisked up a piece of immersive piece of world music—but a listening experience with an undeniably transcendental quality to it. This is music not meant just to be heard, but felt. Rooted in traditional Lusophone world music, yet possessing a timeless universality, TATÚ is a piece that reaches across language and borders, gripping the heart and transporting its listeners to another realm entirely. The arrangement is a rich assortment of intertwining timbres and melodic threads, and boasts a deeply distinct instrumentation that together, don't just accompany the vocals—but converse with them. Each instrument seems to listen, to sigh, to respond in its own voice, creating a delicate ecosystem of sound that breathes as one. It is music that moves like water over stone: with fluidity, with memory, and with purpose. Lyrically, TATÚ operates on multiple planes. On the surface, it is a plea to the small and unassuming armadillo (the tatu)—a humble forest creature called upon for aid. But beneath this folkloric imagery lies a powerful metaphor of survival, resistance, and spiritual kinship with nature. The armadillo, with its natural armor and instinct for burrowing away from danger, becomes a symbol of resilience—a creature that embodies what the speaker lacks, yet deeply needs. With its superb performances, enthralling sense of melody, and profound level of spirituality, "TATU" is a masterclass in musicianship.
Strongest Point(s): The performances are quite simply excellent. Every performer manages to infuse a profound level of nuance and heart into the music that you as a listener simply can't help but find awe-inspiring. The vocals serve as the tracks main emotional anchor, and what a voice it is—earthy, ethereal, and incandescent with emotion. There is no theatricality here, only truth. The performance is almost sacred in its restraint, and yet devastating in its depth. She doesn’t sing at the listener—she sings through you. Of course, the supporting performances are equally mesmerising and between the virtuosic string players, groove-rich percussionist, and dancing bass lines, a deeply rich and expressive tapestry of rhythm and melody is created. This is very much a transcendent listening experience, and what makes TATÚ transcendent is this: it doesn't separate the poetic from the political, or the personal from the mythical. Instead, it nestles them together in a slow-burning ritual of sound. The performers here are not merely skilled—they are mediums, channeling a lineage of pain and perseverance through impeccable technique and intuitive interplay. Every note, every silence, feels intentional. Sacred. Alive.
Target Audience Appeal: "TATU" is a deeply immersive piece of world music and I can see it strongly resonating with lovers of world music styles.
Artist target suggestions: Madredeus, Rodrigo Leao, Carminho, Carla Pires, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Carlos Paredes, Stan Getz & João Gilberto, Gipsy Kings, Maria Bethânia
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.