Brazilian vocalist Mariana Da Cruz and Swiss producer Ane H. take a fairly traditional Brazilian music path on these two combined EPs, titled Nova Estação EP 1 & 2. There are some variations from the norm with tracks like "Intro (São Jorge)" which adds heavy synth and beats to Da Cruz's singing. The other songs are laid back, ranging from ballads to upbeat Bossa Nova, featuring guitar player Oliver Husmann and percussionist Adrian Christen Da Cruz, with occasional addition of trumpet and sax.

1. Intro (São Jorge)
2. Madrugada
3. Depois Do Aplauso
4. Nova Estação
5. Tou Na Torcida
6. Sarah
7. Taj Mahal
8. Vida Antiga
9. Lindo Lago Do Amor
10. Mais Uma Noite
11. Perdida

If the name Ane H., or Ane Hebeisen doesn't ring any bells for you, how about Swamp Terrorists? In any case, it's probably a longshot, but as Swamp Terrorists, Ane H. vocalized over some pretty heavy metallized (via sampled riffs) industrial music, which found a solid fanbase throughout the 90s among a people known to accept a labeling as rivetheads. To say Da Cruz is a departure of style for Ane H. is an understatement, sort of like saying W.C. Fields had a slight taste for gin.

These eleven tracks, totalling a little over forty minutes, don't really break much new ground in terms experimentation, and that clearly isn't their goal. These songs are solid, well written Brazilian pop that doesn't submit to Bossa Nova covers of western music. There are some notable fusions of Bossa Nova and jazz that really work well, and "Nova Estação" mixes its Bossa with some muted breaks that offer a subdued shout out from Ane's industrial past. There is a fairly good mix of tempos and despite the momentary patterned cut-ins, the beats are mostly organic.

It's clear to hear what caught Ane's ear when he first heard Mariana singing in that Irish Pub at the Port of Lisbon.

~ Dave Howell & Brandon

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