Culture-minded act LEUMASI has released a raw new record titled “FAVELA,” a song built around the Brazilian hillside community it references.
A favela is a Brazilian hillside community, and the title points to survival, struggle and pride. Many artists use the word to talk about hustle against the odds, according to the release, and this record follows that path.
The beat is rugged, with pounding percussion, a rumbling bass and sparse synth stabs. Rhythm leads the song, with a few pauses that make the next hit feel bigger. Moments of melody soften the mood just enough.
The lyrics speak about community, family and the daily grind in tough places. The release states that because the title carries so much meaning, the writing needs few extra words.
The record sounds proud rather than bitter, which keeps the mood hopeful. Anyone who wants gloss may look elsewhere, but rawness is the point.
