A Perfectly Predictable Dreamscape

Some things in life are exactly as they seem. No trickery or deception lies waiting within them. In modern times, works of art like this are exceedingly rare, often there is at least some semblance of an agenda, some level of influence that the work is hoping to convince the listener of. On Con Todo El Mundo Khurangbin does no such thing, instead opting to create a perfectly palatable paradise in which listeners are welcome to sip the day away. There are no grand statements, no arguments or persuasions, just a glistening beachside wonderland calling your name.

In order to create such a fabulous environ, Khurangbin relies on an extremely simple setup. With brief exceptions, the entire album is comprised of a calypso style guitar and a loosely played drum kit. Though it is hard to tell if there is even a full kit or just a snare and hi-hat from nearly every song. The album opens with “Cómo Me Quieres” and the sound of a wave washing ashore. Setting the island theme for the rest of the album. Nothing much happens on this track, it largely serves as an intro into the thematic elements of beaches and calypso lifestyle before launching into the much more exciting “Lady and Man” This track has a much stronger groove and plays with more interesting instruments. The guitar parts are tight and memorable, becoming mentally ingrained after only a single listen. Halfway through the track a long drum fill shifts the song into a more upbeat tempo where it had previously played in a more minor key.

Other standouts in the album include “Evan Finds the Third Room” and “Rules.” The first of these tracks is one of the few to heavily feature vocal sections, though lyrically there is very little going on. This track is by far the grooviest on the record, making it befitting of strolling through the city in white linen pants and a pastel button down with one too many buttons undone. “Rules” on the other hand is one of the most laid back songs on the record. Effortlessly combining a sultry bassline with glittering guitars that seem to tiptoe across the track. The drums tie it all together with a simple snare and cymbal rhythm that could lull anyone to sleep, regardless of how hot the sun is shining in Cancun.

Some things just are what they are, Con Todo El Mundo never tries to be anything it isn’t, but that’s what makes it special in an era of overwrought poignancy. It’s a delightful little record perfect to listening to in a hammock, swinging beneath two palm trees. Everyone needs a vacation sometimes, make Con Todo El Mundo your next destination.