RH+: Chilean Pop, Dreamy And Danceable

In "What About," RH+ crafts a perfect soundtrack for careening down the narrow stone alleys of South America.

courtesy of the artist

Formed in 2002, the Chilean electro-alternative band RH+ was known as "Rock Hudson" when it introduced its album La Elena to fans in Santiago. It caught on there quickly, and the collective went on to record Quintana Roo, with which it made its U.S. debut. Balancing male and female vocals, the group brings to mind other international acts such as Broken Social Scene, Air, Stereolab and Super Furry Animals, but stands alone for the fluidity with which it blends English and Chilean imagery in its lyrics.

In "What About," Nera's echoing feminine vocals intertwine with singer Fernando Lasalvia's male leads in a mix which provides a perfect soundtrack for careening down the narrow stone alleys of South America. By breaking the boundaries of what contemporary Latin music is "supposed" to sound like, "What About" feels simultaneously dreamy and danceable — two elements that don't always mesh within the span of an album, let alone a five-minute single.

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