Hugo Largo
Drum

An unusual and grand group, Hugo Largo coined a sound that is unmistakable in the rock scene. The formation included two basses and a violin, instead of the canonical guitar-bass-drums trio, but above all, it could count on the splendid voice of Mimi Goese, almost supernatural in its clarity. Her tone is indeed ecstatic and ethereal, her vocalizations leave bright trails and scents of the Orient in the air. The album also features a special guest, a certain Michael Stipe of R.E.M., primarily in the role of producer. His raspy baritone, occasionally appearing in the distance, gives depth to the tracks, intertwining beautifully with the deep voice of the two basses. Indeed, rather than a rock band, they seemed like an avant-garde ensemble. Their style is austere and composed, almost a chamber version of dream-pop. A very psychological, intimate music, at times reflective, at times meditative, brilliant with colors now summery, now wintry, elegant like a true lady's dress.

"Scream Tall" pulses with deep bass like an excited heart, intoxicating vertigo of the violin and song rising together to paradisiacal heights. "Eureka" reflects sparkling chords on the Stipe-Goese duet, truly convincing in its timbral counterpoints. "Second Skin" is the only "impetuous" moment of the album, where the singing screams pain along with the violin strings, broken by drumming percussions. All the tracks maintain a truly enviable composure, worthy of admiration.

For those who have not yet understood, "Drum" is a jewel of rare splendor, to be jealously kept in the drawer of beauties.