SonLosGrillos, the Spanish duo of Marta Rodríguez (vocals) and Mauricio Mora (guitars, bass, mandolin, zither, banjo, lap steel guitar, keyboards, and percussion), is a new band to me, with Garden of Clouds being their third album. Plus they are joined by Jokin Salaverría (bass), Alfred Roselló (bass), Diego Alanzabes (drums and percussion), Blera Sokoli (cello), Anna Ortelis (violin), Lolo Garcia (flute), Marcelo Mora (trumpet), and Diana Garcia (castanets) on various tracks. Of the ten album tracks, nine are originals plus a cover of Linda Perhacs’ “Procelain Baked-Over Cast-Iron Wedding.” Marta has a beautiful voice with only a hint of an accent and given the list of instruments, you may have already surmised that SonLosGrillos is an acid folk group. On some songs, like “Into the Circle,” I am reminded of Us & Them as well as what you might have heard in folk music venues in Texas in the 70s. On others, such as the title track and “Cherry Blossom,” the music is akin to British folk group Pentangle. The addition of the strings on several songs greatly enhances the sound, especially the dark acid folk hymn “Holy Mother” that closes the album. I have heard of Linda Perhacs over the years, but never heard her music, so I am at a disadvantage when it comes to the cover of her song. What I can tell you is that this song is the most experimental on the album. SonLosGrillos integrates metallic sounds along with acoustic guitar. And the only instrumental on the album is the beautiful combination of acoustic guitar, violin, and castanets of “Sundown Suit.” Garden of Clouds is sure to please any fan of British folk and/or acid folk.

Delicate folk, sung and played with a lush sweetness that brings you into it's mellowness. If you like your folk coloured with drifty psych-y vibes then this is recommended. On the wonderful Discos Monterey label.

By Matt