Photo credit: Vanessa Curci
Sao Paulo-based artist Vanessa Bumagny released her fourth studio album Cinema Apocalipse in January of this year and it’s a versatile mix of synth-pop, bolero and Brazilian rhythm arrocha. The album is 10-tracks long and focuses on human desire both collective and intimate.
Bumagny worked on this album alongside producer Rafael Castro in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which brought about many feelings of uncertainty that are expressed in Bumagny’s lyrics. The opening track “Tudo Está Bem” meaning “everything is good”, discusses how those with power in society want us to be sad and overworked. It emphasizes that happiness is the revolution and how necessary it is to celebrate life in a time of hardships.
Cinema Apocalipse was made possible with the help of several collaborators. The second track “A Ousadia” meaning “the boldness”, was a partnership with lead singer of rock band Pato Fu, Fernanda Takai. The sixth track “Quem Ama Sofre” meaning “who loves to suffer”, was created in partnership with Grammy-nominated artist Luiz Tatit. Bumagny also worked with Brazilian MPB artist Zeca Baleiro and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Chico César. The result of her many collaborations is an album that is versatile in sound and meaning. Bumagny even took inspiration from late American poet Sylvia Plath by setting her poem “Lady Lazarus” to music in her ninth track, which is a treat for her English-speaking listeners.
Cinema Apocalipse was created with a goal in mind: to have songs with which anyone can identify. Bumagny highlights the emotions associated with resistance without compromising its often-overlooked tenderness. The dissection of hope and desire in a time of uncertainty is a topic that any listener of our time can relate to.
Reviewed by Gabriela Huselton
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