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Gizmo Varillas Releases One People

Gizmo Varillas’ music could be described as ‘feel-good’; this belies the depth of sentiments contained within, and those stirred without. It’s true he leans heavily on an encyclopaedic knowledge of colourful rhythms drawn from across the globe: his homeland’s rumbas and flamenco; Latin American salsas, tangos and bossa novas; African highlife and Mali blues; calypso and soca. But these joyful tempos are often undercut by wistful melodies or recognitions of life’s grimmer elements. “I like the idea,” he says, “of sad lyrics with happy music. It balances things out”.

If the last few years have been notable for the increasingly inward-looking nature of contemporary politics, and an upswing in what one might politely – or euphemistically – refer to as ‘nationalism’, Gizmo Varillas’ story can be interpreted an antidote, albeit an unpremeditated one. His music, however, unquestionably offers a powerful remedy for the distressing headlines piling up these days and this time that’s deliberate.

Like El Dorado, its predecessor – an album distinguished by its cheerful air of enthusiastic idealism, but nonetheless penetrated by realism – Dreaming of Better Days acknowledges mankind’s darker sides, and seeks to find light therein. It’s a quality that might be considered as rare as it is indispensable. Dreaming of Better Days - follow’s the release of Varillas’ debut album El Dorado in 2016, which included hits ‘Freedom For Change’ and ‘Give A Little Love’.

 

On Tour

18.5.18 – UK, Brighton, The Great Escape

21.5.18 – UK London, The Lexington, Headline show

1.6.18 – UK, Cheltenham, Wynchwood Festival

13.7.18 – UK, Suffolk, Latitude Festival

 

 

 

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