German-born Spanish singer Laura López Castro releases her latest album Optativo in collaboration with French-German guitarist Don Philippe. This is the third release from the duo, who together have created another ten atmospheric, passionate, acoustic tracks heavily inspired by Laura's Spanish heritage.

Optativo's distinctiveness is a result of López Castro and Philippe's eclectic styles and broad influences coming together to create a collage of sounds and ideas that is coherent throughout. For Philippe the album is a result of large South American influence, whist López Castro's emotional meeting with her grandmother in the Catalonian countryside has resulted in an open-hearted honesty in her vocals that is at times almost haunting.

While, on balance, I enjoyed all of the tracks on this album to some degree, there were two which stood out head and shoulders above the others. I really loved 'Sin Miedo', which is a melodic track that reminded me, in essence, of The Cardigans work. But 'Viejo Océano' was probably my favourite track on the album, it has a haunting theme that runs throughout and the out of key piano really adds that little extra kick.

This is certainly an album I'd recommend. While it won't be to everyone's taste, there should be at least a couple of tracks that you'll really enjoy.

7

Darren Rea