Who are BALTHVS?
Having just wrapped up a lengthy tour and gearing up for a performance at Outside Lands 2024 in San Francisco, Colombian psych outfit BALTHVS shows no signs of slowing down with the announcement of their Third Vibration follow-up, HARVEST, out July 19 via Mixto Records. As the second single off the album, “Aguacero” strikes gold with its entrancing guitar and bass smoothly leading into a gradually increasing rhythm.
Noted for dropping a new album nearly every year since forming in late 2019, the trio initially functioned under the guidance of Balthazar Aguirre (guitar), who took on multiple duties ranging from producing and arranging to conceptualizing their aesthetic. Since then, members Johanna Mercuriana (bass) and Santiago Lizcano (drums) now play roles as integral as Aguirre, a development that has contributed to their ever-evolving eclectic mix of inspirations.
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Whether driving tracks forward with cumbia-inflicted percussion or swirling Middle Eastern music and modern funk into a psychedelic fusion, BALTHVS’ prolific output is matched by a consistent delivery on quality.
Their embrace of psychedelia is as prevalent as ever, setting the mood on “Aguacero” through an atmosphere nothing short of mystifying. Mercuriana takes on vocal duty, singing in Spanish on a song that slowly transforms around its percussion. What starts off as a meditation bordering on hypnotism transforms into a danceable rhythm, exemplifying the band’s ease when bridging between emotions or genres, often doing so subtly until everything comes together at the climax.
In the spirit of their constant explorations into other soundscapes, BALTHVS decided to take time away from their native Bogotá and record their new album in the neverending oasis of La Mesa. Both “Aguacero” and the previously released “Sun & Moon” capture the essence of the hot, tropical weather in spades, sweating with mesmerizing production.
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The change of scenery had a profound effect on the band, who went as far as to say, “It defines our closure with this beautiful stage of our life and career as friends and musicians.” Unfortunately, they already made a stop in L.A. at Lodge Room this past March, but their music couldn’t be more fitting for the area as they stand against other genre-defying contemporaries for their inventiveness.
Words: David Sosa
“Aguacero” by BALTHVS is out on streaming services. For more on their upcoming album and potential shows, follow them on Instagram and their website.
