fatspoon: pensei ser sensei
Francisco Espregueira
Formed in 2018, Fatspoon is a ever-changing collective of Porto-based musicians. Tomorrow, they release Pensei Ser Sensei on vinyl — a collection that brings together a mix of older tracks and new material. Produced by Miguel Pinto and André Indiana, the album was recorded between 2021 and 2023 at Indiana’s A.I. Studios. Blending elements of jazz, funk, and bits of alternative rock, Fatspoon delivers a superb instrumental work. This is the follow-up to their 2020 debut Mushgrooves, and includes lyrics written or performed by Jake Miagra, David Bruno, Bruna Moreira, and Tiago Nacarato, with vocals by Edu Mundo (Fogo Fogo, Cordel) and Helena Neto (Expensive Soul), the newest additions to the group.
Side A opens with "How I Feel" featuring Jake Miagra. Reminiscent of blues, D'Angelo, feet tapping on the floor. It moves into "Erótico & Sensual," led by David Bruno’s distinct vocal delivery. Tracks like "Domingo Não Estou" and "Feira" round out the first half with tight instrumentation and lyrics that you can grab with your hands. The B-side takes a more dreamy approach. The instrumental "Lúdio" and "Tecer" feat. Tiago Nacarato and "Pensei Ser Sensei" feat. Edu Mundo float and land on the final track, "Stride [Live]." An eight-minute progression that gradually introduces the instruments and ends with a brass trio that would play late into the night in a jazz bar. Regulars at jam sessions at Mr. Bean’s, a venue known in Porto’s local music scene, the Fatspoon collective continues to evolve with two more albums in development. For now, Pensei Ser Sensei brings a new flavor to Portuguese music, both in its tracks and in the artists who participated in it. Available on vinyl.