Cosmorama
Will Salmon
, January 13th, 2021 09:03
New on Ghost Box, Portugal s Beautify Junkyards release their fourth album, a rich and many-faceted thing, according to Will Salmon
A cosmorama, in case you were wondering, is an exhibitionthat uses lights, mirrors and different perspectives to display images from far-flung parts of the world. In the case of Portuguese band Beautify Junkyards fourth album, it feels like an apt metaphor for a record that moves briskly between the different facets of their sound.
Where their 2018 release,
The Invisible World Of Beautify Junkyards, had an earthy, folksy vibe,
Cosmorama is grander in scope. It’s more sonically adventurous and features a clutch of cameos from like-minded artists.
If I had to use one word to describe the otherworldly music from Portugal’s
Beautify Junkyards, it would be dreamy. I sometimes wonder if aliens have landed and added musical textures to the gorgeous sonic melange produced by this group headed up by keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter
João Branco Kyron. Kyron is joined by
Helena Espvall (formerly of Espers) on cello, flute and electric guitar,
João Moreira on acoustic guitar and keyboards,
Sergue Ra on bass and
Antonio Watts on drums and percussion. The band’s newest member
Martinez joined in time to contribute vocals to “Garden by the Sea”. Musical guests include