Elefant Records (label)
06 January 2015 (released)
16 February 2015
The release of the debut album ‘Romancero’ in 2009 led the young and talented Ana Fernandez-Villaverde, stage name ‘La Bien Querida’ to be widely acclaimed by many.
In the meantime, Ms Ana has brought her indie-pop style up to the next level. Profound lyrics and an all embracing futuristic sound characterizes her new releases: a series of three 12” Maxi-Singles. A journey that La Bien Querida began at the end of 2014 with the release of her first maxi-single “Premeditacion”; the debut’s album joyful and simple love songs have been replaced by songs of revenge and harsh love accompanied by a powerful electro-indie rhythm. “Alta Tension”, is a clear example of how a broken heart can lead to such disarming poetry.
2015 began with the second piece of this intriguing puzzle, “Nocturnidad” the title itself conveying a sense of darkness.
A powerful and energetic song, “Ojalá Estuvieras Muerto” (Wish you were dead) opens proceedings, immediately luring you into the spiraling vortex of Ana’s world; a world full of harsh words and resentment. Its an engaging and solid sound, able to grab the listener’s attention.
In “Encadenados” (Notorious), Ana manages to lay bare her feelings accompanied by complex rhythmic effects. Although her lyrics echoes a simple love song, there is a touch of mystery and power that adds depth.
“Carretera Secundaria” (Secondary Road) might well be the gloomiest song on the record: Ana’s voice is powerful enough to make a mark in the mind of the listener. This gothic-pop melody is enhanced by the presence of atmospheric and suggestive instrumental accompaniments.
The last track “Crepuscolo” (Twilight is the most intriguing and fascinating song off “Nocturnidad”. In Ana’s lyrics, feelings of anger, revenge and bitterness prevail and emotions flair up in the dark nightime , exploding streaks of lightning adding to the tension .
Overall, La Bien Querida’s new release deserves our attention because of all its fine details. As these two releases have been so intriguing, the third and final maxi single, “Alevosia” may well be an eventful finale.
