Fundamentally, a return to Revancha del Tango, yet not quite. Lunatico moves forward like a big city-New York or Buenos Aires-exploring new boundaries but remaining true to its cadences and beats.
Even the Rap in “Mi Confesion” seems fitting, faithful in a way to the melancholy of Tango, also particularly present in “Tango Cancion” and the gorgeous “Celos.”
Of all the good and not so good Electro-Tango that has come out in recent years, even Supervielle, Federico Auberle or Bajo Fondo, Gotan Project’s remains the most substantial work being done today in “renewing” Tango once more.
The writing is inspired, and Gustavo Beytelman through his piano-and arranging and conducting of all strings-is specially stunning. Precise and economic in his solos but not without his tender side. Buenos Aires music at its best.
Another perfect move has been choosing Cristina Villalongo to lend her voice, never dramatic yet bringing precise nuance and character through her singing.
Other tracks to distinguish are “Amor Porteno,” a collaboration with the band Calexico, as well as the Electronica take on “La Viguela” and Ry Cooder’s “Paris, Texas” transformed into longings right out of Argentina’s folklore.
All in all, a tremendous return to form and a whole new expanse of sounds and evocative possibilities for the New Tango.
