What a tease. Here Havalina offers a tantalizing glimpse into the workings of their much-awaited fifth full-length, Space, Love, and Bullfighting, presenting live material to be recorded for the album, as well as two exclusive tracks. This EP is an extremely limited edition, the first 500 copies being collector editions, hand-numbered and initialed, available only through the band at shows or by purchase at www.fourdoor.com. The five-song collection is yet another testament to the band's apparent skill in redefining traditional musical styles, and finds Havalina fusing elements of country, swing, reggae, and jazz with unabashed versatility in their cleverly eclectic style. The sound is familiar, but fresh.
Though the album's title suggests a Latin influence, its musicality bears not even the slightest hint. The only trace to be found (if any) is in the opening track — a sprightly melody hearkening back to the 60s with nonsensical lyrics sung primarily in Spanish. The combination is an odd one. In fact, the whole EP is a quirky compendium of uneven, unpolished songs punctuated by twanging guitars, buoyant accordions, and near calliope-like keyboards. "Worst Days" comes as a pleasant surprise. A cantering bohemian country melody is paired with bleak lyrics, steeped in despondency, and could quite possibly be one of the band's greatest efforts. While the EP is indeed a rough preview of what is to come, it is a worthy effort nonetheless and a definite must for any serious Havalina fan.
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2001Reviewed by Jason MoreheadHavalina's one of those great bands to review simply because you can throw out nearly every genre imaginable, and chances are they've touched on it at some point in their discography. And A Bullfighter's Guide to Space and Love is yet another worthy addition to their already prolific catalog. But while previous albums have seen Havalina explore everything from lounge to swing to Russian folk to…Similar sounding releases
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