Named after the villa in Portugal's Sintra Mountains where it was recorded,
Casa de Cima is the third album by
Pega Monstro, the duo of sisters Júlia and Maria Reis. It follows an impressive label debut, 2015's
Alfarroba, an album with an infectious energy that only buoyed their winning balance of hooks and noise. At the risk of disappointing fans who were drawn to that album's unbridled spirit, they take a step in a more patient, reflective direction on
Casa de Cima. Taken out of the comparison to its predecessor, the album has a simmering energy of its own, as well as a songwriting panache that should help it stand out from the reverb-heavy crowd. "Cachupa," for instance, plays with tempo, form, time signatures, and elegant vocal harmonies all while coming off far more like a summery garage punk tune -- albeit a nostalgic one immersed in extended chords -- than anything particularly experimental. The simpler "Fado da Estrela do Ouro," with its arpeggiated guitar and haunting dual vocals, plays like a timeless lullaby. There are punkier, noisier moments, too, like in "Pouca Terra," which develops into whirl of thrashing drums and jet engine-like effects, and "Partir a Loiça," which translates to "break all the dishes," a Portuguese expression meaning to shake things up. The grungy, low-end rumble of guitar is gone, though, and back in the context of their discography, it feels like they've lost some of their spark. What remains is worthwhile, though, including that elusive quality of coolness that ultimately still sets them apart. [
Casa de Cima was also released on LP.] ~ Marcy Donelson