New Albums
MARINERO
Mexican American celebrates the hometown he’s left behind
Hella Love HARDLY ART
8/10
Though he’s now relocated to Los Angeles, Jess Sylvester’s third album was inspired by San Francisco’s Bay Area, but it’s also a paean to both the music of California and lands south of the border, including Mexico, home to some of his ancestors. Mariachi flourishes decorate the opening “Fanfare” and “Luz Del Faro”, which like “Isle Of Alcatraz”, shifts into Tropicalia territory as interpreted by The High Llamas, and Pet Sounds harmonies abound elsewhere, not least on “Outerlands”. “Through The Fog” and “Maritime”, meanwhile, belong on a beach bar jukebox packed with Erasmo Carlos and Marcos Valle singles.