PRESS
Devendra Banhart - Nino Rojo
A fantastic trip into the mind of one of the greatest unknown songwriters in the United States
Devendra Banhart has, in a very short time, captured the hearts and imaginations of music reviewers everywhere. His music is obtuse and unfamiliar sounding...having a great deal in common with Marc Bolan's early Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings. The tunes are simple, featuring wonderfully flowing melodies...and Banhart's unmistakable quivering vocals. In many ways, this man's songs sound as if they could have been written in the 1920s or 1930s. There is some undescribable quality that makes his music sound very out of place in today's musical climate. Nino Rojo was culled from the same recording sessions that produced Banhart's previous CD (Rejoicing in the Hands). As such, it is just as equally rewarding and hypnotic. Featuring sixteen obtuse cuts, Rojo is a fantastic trip into the mind of one of the greatest unknown songwriters in the United States. Excellent cuts include "Ay Mama," "We All Know," "An Island," "Owl Eyes," and "Electric Heart." A word of warning: Most folks will probably not appreciate this music. Because people in general want music that sounds familiar, this greatly limits Banhart's potential audience. If, however, you have an adventurous spirit...we would encourage you to get hold of both of Banhart's CDs. His music is...strangely pleasing...and rather fantastic indeed...