The pandemic has thrown a lot of artists of course, but on the other hand many are finding alternative ways of channelling their creative focus with remote interactions becoming the norm. Los Brujos are one outfit born out of the ashes of 2020 and announce their arrival in the sphere of recorded music with the release of a debut EP titled ALCHEMY. The band, and the five tracks forming this extended play, are the fruition of long term colleagues Michael Spaly and Chuck Melchin getting together. Both took time off their respective own bands to deliver a record that tempts, teases and ultimately delivers across a brief expanse of 18 minutes.
Shades of dreamy psychedelia lace the opening number 'Reckoning', very much in mystique synch with the classical imagery confronting you on the cover. 'Bronco' follows to deliver enchanting harmonies complete with mandolin interplay. A slightly more uptempo number follows in 'Everything I can' cementing the proof that the innovation gone into Los Brujos is beginning to pay off. 'High Times' has the chorus start to hook a listener into the groove, yet still creating that air of wonder in how this set of songs is going to be defined. 'Bitter Blue' rounds things off with the guys in a relaxed mode with some quirky vibes chilling the proceedings.
ALCHEMY can take a few listens to crack its code with the architects seemingly tossing around a few ideas in the loose confines of their combined musical craftsmanship. Los Brujos come through this process with a slice of lo-fi roots rock to tempt the listener to conclude that short, sharp and slightly off the straight and narrow can work.