Antropocene – “In Tune with the Earth” – Everything Is Noise
sacred musics of the world to coexist. The album’s music feels like it’s constantly moving forward, with few moments to catch your breath, and it’s all in service of this greater theme. The breadth of instrumentation is remarkable, with flutes, synths, guitars, and a veritable battery of percussion coming together to paint the wide, dynamic landscape of Brazilian sound. Lyrically, Viana takes us through the belief systems of the Tupi and Yoruba, and though it may be a while before I can interpret them fully, they are undeniably powerful in their delivery. Viana’s layered vocals and growls are more reminiscent of death metal than any MPB artist I’ve heard, but they bring a feral energy to the music that I can’t get enough of.
I’m not yet sure how to place No Ritmo Da Terra among its contemporaries. The album is clearly a massive leap forward for Antropoceno, doubling down on the themes and sounds of their debut. At the same time, it feels like an album decidedly for now, speaking to the growing concern for environmental collapse and the loss of ancestral wisdom. Viana situates her project in an ongoing dialogue with similar artists across Latin America, each striving to bring their cultures back from the brink of commodification. No Ritmo Da Terra can sometimes feel impenetrable in its density, but repeated listens reveal a rich world of sound and meaning that few other albums can match.
With No Ritmo Da Terra, Antropoceno has solidified themselves as some of the most vital artists in this emergent scene. This is music that refuses to sit still, constantly searching for connections between peoples and traditions that have long been ignored. As Brazil faces a pivotal moment in its history, artists like Lua Viana are crucial for maintaining and enriching its cultural legacy. No Ritmo Da Terra is the rallying cry for a new musical future, where the old ways of knowing and being can coexist with the technological marvels of today. If you’re willing to take the plunge into this dense, centuries-spanning soundscape, you may just come away with a renewed sense of wonder at the world and its endless possibilities.