April 21, 2020

Ana Frango Elétrico - Little Electric Chicken Heart [2019]


It's hard not to smile while listening to Little Electric Chicken Heart. Ana Fainguelernt, who sings under the moniker Ana Frango Elétrico, has created a charming album that emits sunshine in every track. When listening to her playful singing cadence and colorful instrumentation, one may be reminded of a young Tropicália-era Gal Costa. This is not to say that there is a strong vocal similarity between the two or that Fainguelert is simply mining the past for her sound. However, Little Electric Chicken Heart is a clear descendant of Brazilian legends such as Costa and Os Mutantes' Rita Lee. The sound is different, but the energy, especially the joy, is familiar.

"Tem Certeza?" is a standout moment. It's a great song full of vibrant rock chords and a bubbly vocal melody. Like many tracks on this record, it's something that can easily get stuck in one's head. Horns are key to "Tem Certeza" and a good part of the rest of Little Electric Chicken Heart. Trombones and trumpets are all over the record. Bright rising horns provide the perfect reply to the breezy vocal call and response in "Saudade". The listener is already immersed by the serene atmosphere by the time Fainguelernt starts singing towards the end of the track.

All of these tracks move around and progress in interesting ways, particularly in the hooks. "Devia Ter Ficado Menos" starts off with a laid back atmosphere and evolves into complete chaos during its chorus. "Chocolate" begins spaciously, but eventually the mellow guitars are met with trumpets, keys and multi-layered vocals in a gorgeous chorus.

Moments like the bouncy chorus and lively horns of "Se no Cinema" make Little Electric Chicken Heart an album that invites repeat listens. The lyrics at times border on nonsensical, but it's hard to slight Fainguelernt for that when everything coming out of her mouth sounds so charismatic. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, Little Electric Chicken Heart isn't the longest record out there, but it has an irresistible charm.