B-Side Guys

In the ever-evolving landscape of indie rock, Olhar’s debut EP “Smoke” emerges as a breath of fresh air, infusing the shoegaze and noise rock genres with a distinctly Brazilian flavor. Released on August 9, 2024, this four-track, 11-minute opus serves as a compelling introduction to the Austin-based project spearheaded by João Rangel.

Formed in Fort Worth earlier in 2024, Olhar (Portuguese for “look” or “gaze”) quickly established itself as a band to watch. With “Smoke,” Rangel and his collaborators have crafted a sonic tapestry that weaves together themes of mental health struggles, immigration experiences, and cultural identity.

The EP opens with “Bahia,” an instrumental track that immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead. The use of the Bahian guitar, an electric instrument akin to a mandolin, pays homage to Brazilian musical traditions while firmly planting one foot in contemporary indie rock. The sitar sample that kicks off the track, coupled with Joshua Cañate’s saxophone, creates a psychedelic atmosphere that’s both familiar and exotic.

“Futuro” follows, its Portuguese lyrics floating atop a sea of reverb-drenched guitars and pulsing rhythms. Rangel’s vocals, at times barely discernible through the haze of effects, convey a sense of urgency and hope. The repeated refrain of “O passado já deu, o futuro venceu” (“The past is gone, the future has won”) serves as a mantra of resilience and forward momentum.

The EP’s centerpiece, “Estrada,” is a standout track that showcases Olhar’s ability to blend disparate influences into a cohesive whole. The song’s narrative, which speaks of getting lost on a night road and being saved by the music of João Gilberto and Tom Jobim, is a poignant metaphor for the power of art to guide us through our darkest moments. Jordan Dyer’s drumming shines here, providing a solid foundation for the swirling guitars and atmospheric keys.

Closing out the EP is “You Don’t Know Me,” a bilingual tour de force that serves as a perfect summation of Olhar’s artistic vision. The track’s English verses, with their themes of isolation and misunderstanding, give way to Portuguese passages that celebrate Brazilian culture and history. The inclusion of lines from “Lamento Sertanejo” by Gilberto Gil is a masterful touch, linking Olhar’s contemporary sound to the rich tradition of Brazilian popular music.

What sets “Smoke” apart is its seamless integration of diverse musical elements. The shoegaze-inspired wall of sound, reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive, is infused with Brazilian rhythms and melodies that call to mind artists like Boogarins or Oruã. This cultural fusion results in a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel.

The production, handled by Sam Culp (Yokio) at Nomad Studio in Dallas, strikes a perfect balance between clarity and atmosphere. Each instrument is given room to breathe within the mix, from Polo Garcia and Mark Hutchinson’s anchoring bass lines to Walter Bland’s ethereal keys. The result is a lush soundscape that rewards repeated listens, revealing new details with each spin.

Lyrically, Rangel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. The EP’s exploration of mental health issues and the immigrant experience is handled with sensitivity and nuance. By alternating between Portuguese and English, Rangel creates a linguistic landscape that mirrors the cultural duality many immigrants experience.

At just over 11 minutes, “Smoke” leaves the listener wanting more – a testament to Olhar’s ability to create a fully realized artistic statement in a compact format. Each track feels essential, contributing to a narrative arc that’s both personal and universal.

For fans of shoegaze, noise rock, or Brazilian music, “Smoke” is essential listening. It’s an EP that defies easy categorization, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources while forging its own unique identity. Olhar has managed to create a sound that’s simultaneously dreamy and grounded, introspective and outward-looking.

As a debut release, “Smoke” signals the arrival of a significant new voice in indie rock. João Rangel and his collaborators have created a work that’s both culturally specific and broadly appealing, a delicate balance that many artists spend entire careers trying to achieve.

In a musical landscape often dominated by homogeneity, Olhar’s “Smoke” EP stands out as a beacon of originality and cross-cultural pollination. It’s a reminder of music’s power to transcend borders and bridge diverse experiences. As the final notes of “You Don’t Know Me” fade away, one can’t help but feel excited for what Olhar will do next. If “Smoke” is any indication, the future of indie rock just got a whole lot more interesting.