B-Side Guys

ALETHIA’s eponymous debut album, unleashed on July 25, 2024, is a sonic tapestry that weaves together disparate threads of genre, emotion, and experience. This 43-minute opus from the Colombian-born, Melbourne-based artist isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a musical bildungsroman, charting the course of human growth through a prismatic array of sounds.

Structured in four movements, the album opens with “Roots,” a trio of tracks that lay the foundation for ALETHIA’s musical universe. “Almita mia” serves as a gentle reveille, its pastoral sounds and lilting melodies coaxing listeners into a world where the personal and universal intertwine. It’s both a familial ode and an open invitation, welcoming us into ALETHIA’s musical ecosystem.

The album’s sonic palette expands with each track, from the folksy introspection of “De Tu Mano” to the indie-rock urgency of “Mondero.” ALETHIA’s voice serves as the constant, a versatile instrument capable of conveying whispered intimacies and soaring declarations with equal conviction.

As we transition into “Nostalgia,” the album’s second act, ALETHIA flexes her genre-bending muscles. “To You” is a study in contrasts, its urgent rhythms and electronic flourishes creating a backdrop of beautiful chaos for ALETHIA’s grounding vocals. “Utopia” follows, a jazz-tinged interlude that feels like eavesdropping on a late-night confession.

The inclusion of “Once More” as a bonus track is a clever palate cleanser, its smoky jazz club vibes providing a moment of respite before the album’s more experimental second half.

“Love,” the third act, kicks the door open to ALETHIA’s electronic explorations. “Don’t Let Me Down” marries Dub rhythms with pop sensibilities, while “Physical Form” dives headlong into drum and bass territories. These tracks showcase ALETHIA’s willingness to push beyond the boundaries of her established sound, all while maintaining the emotional core that anchors the album.

The final act, “Hope,” brings the journey full circle. “Falling” is a slow-burning meditation on universal rhythms, its guitar-driven melody providing a lush backdrop for ALETHIA’s most introspective vocal performance. The album closes with “Oh Darling,” a psychedelic swan song that reaches for the cosmos both lyrically and sonically.

Throughout “ALETHIA,” genres blur and blend like watercolors on canvas. Latin Pop, Reggae, R&B, and Psychedelic Rock all find their place in ALETHIA’s musical vocabulary, each style employed not as a gimmick, but as the most authentic way to express a particular emotion or idea.

Lyrically, ALETHIA traverses the landscape of the human heart with the keen eye of a cartographer. Her bilingual approach adds layers of meaning and musicality, each language bringing its own rhythms and resonances to the mix.

The production throughout is crystalline yet warm, striking a balance between radio-ready polish and raw emotional authenticity. Each instrument is given room to breathe, creating a soundscape that invites exploration.

“ALETHIA” is more than just a debut; it’s a manifesto. In an era of singles and playlists, ALETHIA has crafted an album that demands to be experienced as a whole. It’s a work that reveals new facets with each listen, a musical rubik’s cube that offers fresh perspectives with each turn.

As the final notes fade, listeners are left with the sense of having undergone a transformation alongside ALETHIA. This isn’t just an album; it’s an invitation to growth, a reminder that our journeys of self-discovery, while deeply personal, are universally shared.

With accolades already accumulating, including nods from the Music Victoria Awards and Latin Grammys, ALETHIA seems poised for a breakthrough. This debut doesn’t just announce her arrival; it kicks the door wide open, leaving us eager to see what worlds she’ll create next.