Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Agüita | Album Review 💿

Alternative standout Gabriel Garzón-Montano shows the full range of his musicianship on his adventurous sophomore album, Agüita.

The album Jardín was among my favorite of 2017.  The gifted Gabriel Garzón-Montano totally tickled my fancy on an R&B album that too few people knew about or talked about.  After a three-year-hiatus, Garzón-Montano returned naked… on the album cover of his fine 2020 sophomore LP, Agüita. As impressive as Jardín was, Agüita “kicks things up a notch” by being more alternative and adventurous.  If the script was supposed to be predictable, Gabriel ensures it’s not, showing the full range of his musicianship. 

“Tombs”

✅ “Tombs” kicks off Agüita with a bang, period.  The musicianship of Gabriel Garzón-Montano is on full display, period.  He delivers a gorgeous vocal, filled with expression that makes the listener lean into every note and lyric.  Furthermore, the composition – both instrumentally and lyrically – are hella impressive.  Instrumentally, the orchestration is quite ear-catching, ranging from strings, guitars, and of course, keyboard.  Furthermore, harmonically, Garzón-Montano’s musical training (SUNY Purchase) is easily perceptible, given the adventurous progression and unique shifts.  Lyrically, he’s poetic throughout, always returning to the key lyric, “Tombs are rather comfortable.”

Once more, Garzón-Montano manages to balance musical ambition and accessibility superbly on ✅ “With a Smile.” Harmonically, the record is more straightforward than “Tombs,” though it’s not blasé in the least.  Where “Tombs” was lengthy and quite slow, “With a Smile” picks up the pace (it’s more moderato) and ends up clocking in at under three minutes.  The record also has a more ear catching groove.  Again, the titular lyric is central to the writing, with Garzón-Montano repeatedly asserting, “You had me tripping with a smile.”  Again, the lyrics are quite alluring, beginning with So in love – Something like Mike with a purple glove.”

“Muñeca”

Gabriel certainly surprises (and impresses) on ✅ “Muñeca,” which does an about face from alternative R&B and funk in favor of reggaeton.  For good measure, Garzón-Montano performs exclusively in Spanish. That shouldn’t be surprising given his heritage, but this is something we hadn’t previously heard.  Despite its brevity, ultimately, it’s a winner that would be an optimal fit for any Latin-tinged playlist (or Latin music enthusiast).

After two shorter records, Garzón-Montano has more to say on the “Fields,” the fourth track from Agüita. Or does he? Interestingly, “Fields” doesn’t feature many lyrics.  That said, musically, it’s quite sublime, with ample enigma and alternativeness.  This could be perfectly described as a vibe, with its rhythmic instrumental lines, lush backing vocals, not to mention a haunting performance by Gabriel. There is a hypnotic nature.

✅ “Mira My Look” marks another surprising performance by Garzón-Montano.  What makes it surprising? Well, it’s very contemporary, performed in a hip-hop vein intact with sound effects. Also, it’s a mix of English and Spanish – more Spanish than English.  The certified bop shows how diverse and versatile Gabriel is.  While I already knew the gifted musician had swagger, he ensures the whole world knows here. The hook is utterly infectious:

“Mira My Look – Míralo pues
Look like a book – Todo bien o que
Stack like books – Mero billete
Look what it took – vea su merced
Look like I made you
Mom like I made you
Feed you and bathe you – Soaking wet
Ur drippin’ today boo – Gota gota gota.”

“Moonless”

Agüita never fails to engage – facts. “Moonless” is another perfect example. Nearly six minutes in duration, Garzón-Montano continues to compel.  His expressiveness never ceases vocally. Furthermore, the skill of the arrangement and production continues to be one of the biggest selling points.  The lyrics are definitely lovely, particularly the chorus, but the overall aesthetic may actually carry more weight if being totally honest.  

Eclecticism continues to be the modus operandi for Garzón-Montano as we reach track seven, ✅ “Someone.” This is another alternative R&B number, borrowing cues from the soul and funk of old.  This modern take is pretty sweet. The harmonic progression is quite advanced – adventurous just like Gabriel (and us music theory/composition nerds) like it.  This adventurousness only accentuates the colorful nature of the record, with its lushly orchestrated backdrop. This is easily one of Garzón-Montano’s most accomplished performances on the album, not to mention ranking among the crème de la crème from his career as of yet.  Adding to the allure? It’s incredibly sexy.

“Bloom” 

“Bloom” may have a tough act to follow, but it marks another stunning moment for Mr. Garzón-Montano.  I love the use of guitar accompaniment, with a host of other sounds, most prominently strings (the harp and cello are lit).  Like some of the previous cuts, rhythm plays a crucial role, further driving the excellence.  True to its title, this record is one that sounds as if it blooms like a rose.  That said, Garzón-Montano asserts (via Instagram), “Each line uses the word in a new way to create metaphors for the human condition, life, and death.” 

With sleek, fresh joints like “Muñeca” and “Mira My Look” under his belt, it’s no surprise that Garzón-Montano shines again on the title track, ✅ “Agüita.” Again, Gabriel goes far beyond the retro/neo-funk he so frequently serves up. Once more, he dips into reggaeton and hip-hop and makes sure we all know, he’s no “one-trick pony” in the least. While musicians like Garzón-Montano rarely get the mainstream buzz they deserve, this surefire banger could definitely open more lucrative, commercial doors – NO CAP!

“Blue Dot,” featuring Theo Bleckmann, concludes Agüita.  In the sequence of the album, this is definitely where this record best fits.  Anywhere else would’ve been odd! The aesthetic and vibe are the story – the biggest selling point.  Musically, the enigmatic, thought-provoking “Blue Dot” is as impressive as anything else up to this point. There are lyrics, but relative to the length of the song, they are few.  What Garzón-Montano serves up is potent, but the ear-catching, experimental sound is the biggest takeaway.

Final Thoughts 

Gabriel Garzón-Montano has impressed once again.  Topping Jardín is tough – it was a fine album in its own right. I’d argue that Agüita is riskier yet has plenty of truly accessible moments we wouldn’t have necessarily expected from Garzón-Montano.  For alternative R&B fans who love to hear musicians ‘stretch their ears,’ Agüita should totally tickle your fancy.  Easily one of the most intriguing albums of 2020.

✅ Gems: “Tombs,” “With a Smile,” Muñeca,” ‘Mira My Look,” “Someone” & “Agüita”

Gabriel Garzón-Montano • 💿 Agüita • 🏷 Jagjaguwar / Stones Throw • 🗓 Release: 10.2.20

📷 Photo Credits: Jagjaguwar / Stones Throw