O Terno - Melhor Do Que Parece

Ranked by Rolling Stone Brazil as one of the best releases of 2016, it is a delicate blend of Tropicalia- inspired, psychedelic rock and indie, rich in '60s and '70s influences, that feels as relevant and fresh now as it did 10 years ago. O Terno is made up of three titans from the current Brazilian independent scene: Tim Bernardes on vocals and guitar, Guilherme d'Almeida on bass and Gabriel Basile on drums. Each has gone on to forge themselves as influential members in the Brazilian scene in their solo projects and collaborations with other artists since O Terno went on hiatus in 2024. Bernardes has since become a musical ambassador outside of Brazil, releasing two Latin Grammy nominated solo albums, collaborating with artists ranging from Gal Costa to Fleet Foxes, Maria Bethania to Jards Macale, and establishing himself among the musicians connected to the 1970s scene. Basile has worked closely with Sessa and features on records by SOYUZ, anaiis, Bruno Berle and more. Both Basile and Guilherme also form part of the group Grand Bazaar, a dance- orientated outfit drawing on gypsy, Balkan, Mediterranean and Brazilian influences. Recorded across an intense three-month period where the trio spent 12 hours a day in the studio, Melhor do Que Parece is a diverse, exploratory and kaleidoscopic listen. There are influences from classic Brazilian greats such as Os Mutantes and the beautiful string arrangements of Rogerio Duprat, as well as classic '60s and '70s European and American groups from across the spectrum. Those influences are tied up in an experimental indie DIY aesthetic where distorted guitars are juxtaposed with lush string sections. The album kicks off on a high note with the catchy single 'Culpa'; there is an almost John Lennon texture to Tim's vocals here. Next is the dreamy arrangement of 'No', which has a Tropicalia-esque tone and features a beautiful harp intro played by Marina Mello. A swirling psych- rock tinge runs through the record sucking you into its grasp. The crashing cymbals, blazing lead guitars and modulated vocals of 'Nao Espero Mais' and 'Lua Cheia' are two fine examples. Elsewhere, there's the deep fuzz, whirling organs and peaking horns of 'O Orgulho E O Perdao'. Contrasting this there are moments of reflection. The depth and delicacy of 'Depois Que A Dor Passar' and the ethereal heart swell of 'Volta' are a double dose of uplifting nourishment. Another highlight is 'Vamos Assumir', a song immortalised in pop culture when mentioned in Brazilian author Elayne Baeta's book Coisas obvias sobre o amor. The title track 'Melhor do Que Parece' is a grand opus, ranging from smooth angelic melodies with lush strings, to explosions of distorted guitar and horns. It's an epic and fitting closer to this magnificent album. There are no wasted moments on Melhor do Que Parece; it feels almost like a best-of album and is rightly viewed as a definitive work. Here at Mr Bongo we feel its greatness deserves a much wider global audience to lean in and enjoy its brilliance.