As Plantas Que Curam
Boogarins
2013
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
As Plantas Que Curam, released in 2013, marks Boogarins' overwhelming debut on the music scene, instantly solidifying their name as one of the most vibrant and original forces in contemporary Brazilian psychedelic rock. The album not only introduced the world to the distinctive sound of the Goiânia-based band but also served as a beacon for the new wave of neo-psychedelia and lo-fi recordings reverberating globally, masterfully translating the musical spirit of the era.
Context
The genesis of Boogarins dates back to 2012, in Goiânia, when childhood friends Dinho Almeida (vocals and rhythm guitar) and Benke Ferraz (lead guitar) began recording their musical experimentations. While still in secondary school, the duo produced a six-track EP with home recordings, which would later give rise to the album. This initial process, guided by informality and the search for a unique sound, laid the foundations for what would become one of the country's most acclaimed groups. Although Goiânia is historically associated with sertaneja music, the local independent scene was already buzzing with indie rock, and Boogarins emerged from this context with a psychedelic proposition that stood out, yet quickly captured attention.
Recording
The album As Plantas Que Curam has its roots in an essentially homemade recording process, conducted by Dinho Almeida and Benke Ferraz. In 2012, even before the quartet was formed, the duo would meet on Sundays, using the limited equipment available to bring their compositions to life. This limitation of resources, in fact, ended up forging part of the distinctive sonic aesthetic of the record, where Dinho's voice stood out in the mix. When the label Other Music became interested in the material, the original six-track EP was expanded into a full album. The production of the final record was credited to the band itself, comprising Dinho, Benke, Hans Castro on drums, and Raphael Vaz on bass, with mastering by Timothy Stollenwerk.
Songs
The sound of As Plantas Que Curam is a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, where submerged voices and guitars laden with effects construct a universe of delirium and imagination. The opening track, "Lucifernandis", is an impactful calling card, with its initial 'gonzo, slightly out of time' riff, which directly recalls the influence of Os Mutantes, but with a fresh and contemporary feel. The album parades through songs like "Erre", a mutant rock track with fuzz guitars and atmospheric production, and "Infinu", marked by distorted leads and ethereal melodies. In tracks like "Despreocupar", we find shoegaze lyricism blended with the indolence of a summer's day, while "Hoje Aprendi de Verdade" and "Paul" (the latter, a homage to Paul McCartney's Sgt. Pepper's style) demonstrate the band's compositional versatility. The lyrics, often enigmatic, are complemented by unusual noises and timbres, and by the use of 'found sounds' and hidden psychedelic production in almost every track, creating a rich and original auditory experience.
Legacy
Since its release, As Plantas Que Curam has been widely acclaimed by specialist critics, receiving 4.5 out of 5 stars from Allmusic and a 7.1/10 rating from Pitchfork. The record was such a significant milestone that, in 2016, it was even nominated for a Latin Grammy in the Best Rock or Alternative Music Album in Portuguese Language category. The album's success catapulted Boogarins to international recognition, securing a contract with the Other Music label and an extensive touring schedule across Europe, the United States, and Latin America, with appearances at renowned festivals such as South by Southwest, Primavera Sound, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. Considered an 'instant classic of Neo-Psychedelia', As Plantas Que Curam established the band as one of the most important names in contemporary Brazilian music, influencing a new generation and consolidating their position on the global stage. In 2024, to celebrate a decade of its impact, the album received a commemorative deluxe edition.
Tracks
Credits
Roger Marques
Fernando Almeida
Benke Ferraz
Marcelo Carvalho
Pedro Kastelijns
Hans Castro
Timothy Stollenwerk
Daniel Sousa
Brandon Seavers
Renato Reis
Podcasts
Bota O Disco Aí · Bota O Disco Ai
No episódio de hoje do Bota O Disco Aí, a Caveira traz Allan Portes do Pixel Tutorial para falar d"As Plantas Que Curam" da banda goiana Boogarins, veio com uma nova safra do rock psicodélico, ele vem com esse álbum gravado de forma caseira que ganhou o mundo e projetou eles para shows internacionais.Podcasts: @eu_sou_a_caveira @muradisammyrConvidado: @allancportes @pixeltutoriais#thebeatles #boog
Analyses
As Plantas Que Curam – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Boogarins: As Plantas Que Curam Album Review | Pitchfork
pitchfork.com
Fernando Almeida and Benke Ferraz of Brazilian psych pop duo Boogarins spent the duration of their debut album lightly teasing every record in their collections. Their new As Plantas Que Curam is ...
Boogarins - As Plantas Que Curam - Reviews - Album of The Year
albumoftheyear.org
Music Reviews: As Plantas Que Curam by Boogarins released in 2013. Genre: Psychedelic Rock.
Boogarins - As Plantas Que Curam (2013) | cenaindie
cenaindie.com
Boogarins' EP "As Plantas Que Curam" is the result of an organic creative process, which began in 2012 with meetings at Benke's house. The independently-made recording embraced the "difficulties" of the home environment, transforming them into striking characteristics and a lo-fi charm.
Crítica | Boogarins: "As Plantas Que Curam" - Música Instantânea
musicainstantanea.com.br
Submerged voices, guitars laden with effects, and utter delirium. On As Plantas Que Curam (2013), the debut studio album by the Goian group Boogarins, each composition transports the listener to a new creative territory.
