Remonta
Liniker E Os Caramelows
2016
Rankings
Why This Album Matters
Remonta, the debut album by São Paulo band Liniker e os Caramelows, independently released in 2016, quickly established itself as a landmark in contemporary Brazilian music. The album delves into a sound that moves between soul, funk, and American R&B, presenting a proudly Black and intense sound, which distances itself from the usual softness of radio-friendly MPB. The album is special for capturing the essence of Liniker's singular voice, which, with its striking timbre and visceral interpretation, guides the listener through profound emotional landscapes. The work not only consolidated the group's musical identity but also served as a powerful artistic declaration, permeated by authenticity and captivating energy.
Context
Before the release of Remonta, Liniker e os Caramelows had already built a solid fanbase with the 2015 EP Cru, which generated videos that quickly went viral online. The band, formed in 2015, emerged from the union of Liniker with musicians from Araraquara, where the artist studied theatre, seeking an artistic encounter that culminated in music. The anticipation for a full album was significant, and the band successfully capitalised on this moment of effervescence, opting for an independent release and crowdfunding via Catarse to bring the project to fruition.
Recording
The musical production of Remonta was overseen by Marcio Arantes, a recognised name in the Brazilian music scene for his work with artists like Tulipa Ruiz. The recordings took place at the Red Bull studios in São Paulo, an environment that provided the necessary infrastructure for the band to refine their sound. The album's creation process was driven by a crowdfunding project on Catarse, highlighting the band's direct support and connection with their audience. A notable and moving fact during the album's conception was the dedication to Bárbara Rosa, a backing vocalist who participated in the recordings of the EP Cru and toured with the band between 2015 and 2016. Bárbara passed away in June 2016, shortly before the album's recordings began, and her memory was honoured with the dedication present on the album.
Songs
The CD and digital streaming versions of Remonta feature thirteen songs, including an engaging introduction and the presence of the three tracks that had already captivated the audience on the EP Cru, presented with new arrangements. The vinyl version, released later in 2017 by Revista NOIZE, features ten tracks, omitting the songs "Caeu", "Você Fez M...", and "BoxOkê". Among the tracks, "Prendedor de Varal" is frequently highlighted by critics, with Gabriel Nunes from Rolling Stone Brasil pointing to references from the groovy funk of Kool & the Gang and Motown's big names, as well as a mention of Tim Maia's classic "Chocolate". The album's lyrics, often based on Liniker's old love letters, address overcoming, self-compassion, and resilience. The album's visual identity is also striking: the cover for the CD and digital versions is predominantly white, with the title 'Remonta' handwritten in a colour gradient from green to pink, conveying a minimalist and personal aesthetic. The vinyl version, in contrast, received a black cover on matte paper, with the title printed in spot varnish, creating a sophisticated and distinct visual effect.
Legacy
Remonta was received with acclaim by specialist critics. Mauro Ferreira, a renowned music journalist, praised the intensity of the group's intentions, highlighting that Liniker e os Caramelows sound less raw and more mature. He emphasised Marcio Arantes' mastery in production, which "embodies Liniker's proudly Black sound" and avoids simplistic comparisons with Tim Maia, stating that the album "has soul" and "the mettle to make Liniker e os Caramelows transcend fleeting hype". Rolling Stone Brasil magazine also praised the album, with Gabriel Nunes describing it as intense and commending the fusion of soul, funk, and R&B influences. The recognition culminated in Remonta being chosen as the 3rd best Brazilian album of 2016 by the same publication, consolidating its position as one of the most relevant works of that year. The album's success opened doors for international tours between 2016 and 2018, winning over audiences in various parts of the world.
Analyses
Discogs
Remonta – Discogs
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