Review: Casa Laranja. 'Tempestade Sinistra na Ilha'

Tempestade Sinistra na Ilha, debut album by Casa Laranja, is one of those rare works that remind us why instrumental rock still has so much to say. Released in August 2023, the record is a celebration of heavy sound in its purest form.

The lineup

Casa Laranja is a trio:

• Leandro Machado. drums
• Matheus Longhi. guitar
• Pedro Guerra. bass (coming from Curupira)

The guys met at a skate competition. An origin that sets the tone for everything: brotherhood, complicity, looseness. It's music made by friends who trust each other with their eyes closed.

The sound

The most immediate label is stoner. Slow riffs, heavy distortion, intense atmosphere. But Casa Laranja goes beyond. There's hardcore in the speed of some fills. There's blues in the construction of the central tracks. There's clear reverence for Hendrix in Longhi's long solos, without ever falling into imitation. References to Black Sabbath and Fu Manchu are present, but reorganized with their own personality.

It's the sound of people who grew up listening to everything and made a point of honoring all the influences.

Recorded live, and that's magic

The record was tracked live, with production by Leandro Lazzarotto (of Bizibeize). Eight tracks. No heavy retouching. You hear the trio's humanity in every moment, the studio energy, the genuine delivery of the three musicians.

Two tracks have vocals: "Smoking" and "The River". The other six are pure instrument, and each stands on its own. When the voice appears, it adds. When the guitar speaks alone, it tells stories.

High points

• "Tempestade". title track, opens the record with a riff that sounds like the ocean at high tide
• "Smoking". Black Sabbath groove well executed, one of the most memorable on the record
• The brave choice to record live, capturing the trio's human warmth

Why it deserves your attention

Casa Laranja represents a side of the Floripa scene that few know outside the island. It's a band that plays for those who really love heavy music. Tempestade Sinistra na Ilha is the kind of record that needs to be heard loud, on good headphones, with the lights off. And each listen reveals new details.

Where to find them

• Band's Bandcamp
• Instagram: @casalaranjaband
• Upcoming shows announced on social media

Turn up the sound. Casa Laranja is Floripa pulsing.