guerrinha: exposição popular
Francisco Espregueira
Released in the fine catalog of 2 Headed Deer Records, Exposição Popular invites us on a journey through the unique sonic trademark crafted by Rio de Janeiro's own producer and composer, Gabriel Guerra, also known as Guerrinha and as a number of other aliases expressed in his 40% Foda/Maneiríssimo imprint. Drawing inspiration from 80s new wave and fusion jazz, the album weaves a tapestry reminiscent of a lost ECM gem, enriched with lo-fi subterranean exoticism that echoes the evocative soundtracks of Angelo Badalamenti. Guerrinha's musical narrative unfolds with an intriguing looseness, rhythms spilling out in playful defiance of easy categorization. The compositions, layered with space-age ambient synth, guitar, and organ work, bear the imprint of influences like Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Rita Lee, creating a sonic collage that is both eclectic and entrancing.
In Guerrinha's own words, Exposição Popular is a deliberate shift from his previous work, Cidade Grande, which focused on accepting the big city as a monolith. This time, the artist turns his lens inward, exploring the exhibition of the intimate as the most logical and obvious choice. The title itself, a wordplay on "Popular Exhibition," reflects the paradox of exhibitions being inherently popular as they showcase the self to everyone, yet, due to the nature of art, they become niche. Through this album, Guerrinha creates an unique auditory experience, exploring the intricacies of self-expression and intimate revelation within a rich musical soundscape. Available on vinyl.