Venezuelan-American singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart follows-up 2009’s What Will We Be with his Nonesuch label debut, Mala. Known for his hushed brand of freak/psych folk, on his eighth album Banhart branches out with a wider sonic spectrum, incorporating laid-back tropical sounds, occasional electronics, and records tape on a vintage Tascam recorder which was integral in early hip hop production. The results are an uncharacteristically dynamic collection of fourteen great songs which showcase Banhart’s continuous development as a musician. Standouts include opener “Golden Girls”, “Your Fine Petting Duck”, and the title track. – Written by SMarx
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