Ultrabelleza

This first full-length album by Spanish singer-songwriter María José Llergo offers further proof of her versatile reimagining of traditional flamenco, or rather nuevo flamenco.

In her previous EP, Sanación (2020), Córdoba-born Llergo produced a candid reflection on her Andalucian-Romani roots. Now, once again, she explores personal and emotional themes; from confronting our ‘inner ghosts’ in ‘Aprendiendo a Volar’ to the power of maternal love in the title-track. With a broad range of styles and a passionate but tender voice, Llergo is clearly not constrained by her classical flamenco background. Forget strumming guitars, ‘Olé’ chants and clacks maracas: this is a richly orchestrated fusion, combining electronica, grime and pop. For most of the 12 tracks, Llergo instils the occasional flamenco inflection to her vocals, while continuing the genre’s tradition of soul-searching, heartfelt lyrics. Some of the songs err on the repetitive side; such as ‘Rueda Rueda’, which starts off brightly, with a dynamic pace and thumping beat, but then rolls along somewhat aimlessly. Nevertheless, as a young, up-and-coming artiste, perhaps Llergo is exploring the musical spectrum to find her individual niche. Either way, with this second release she’s come out with an eclectic and solidly creditable collection.