The experimental group Cenzontle made up of three talented musicians, takes you on an eclectic journey with their latest LP, Wundertüte.
Cenzontle – Wundertüte
Cenzontle, which means “mockingbird” in Spanish, is the brainchild of Mexico-born, Berlin-based composer Jorge Hernandez. Known for his previous project, GlowStone Leaf Orchestra, Hernandez brings years of experience to Cenzontle. Together with collaborators Kim Kong and Lucie Nana, they’ve created a project that breaks musical boundaries. Since their formation, Cenzontle has released six full-length albums, with Wundertüte being the latest addition.
The title Wundertüte, meaning “miracle bag” in German, perfectly captures the spirit of this album. It’s a collection of diverse tracks, each offering something different. The album blends spoken word, atmospheric Lofi, Latin cumbia, urban hip-hop, underground rock, and trip-hop, all with a distinctive twist. It’s an unpredictable yet captivating auditory experience.
Every track on Wundertüte stands on its own, and the album feels like reaching into a bag without knowing what you’ll pull out next. Take the opener, This is not a song, it’s a manifesto, which pairs spoken word with Asian-inspired instrumentation, or the ethereal Vol de Nuit, with its soothing vocals and delicate Lofi production. One of the standout tracks is Song for when you didn’t win the medal, blending harmonious backing vocals and rapped Spanish verses for a truly dynamic listen.
The multilingual songwriting throughout the album adds a rich cultural layer to Cenzontle’s work. Fruta (fruit) is an enchanting track featuring whispered German lyrics, a mesmerizing bass line, and a heartbeat-like rhythm. Sueño con Alas combines poetic verses, Latin rhythms, and Spanglish lyrics, while A Dança introduces Portuguese lyrics and sorrowful guitar chords.
The album also reflects Mexican musical traditions with Son Lejano, a stunning son-inspired piece with unique modern touches. The danceable cumbia rhythms of Gardenia and the melancholic yet rhythmic Mariposa continue to push genre boundaries, incorporating reggaeton beats and tropical vibes.
The surprises keep coming with tracks like Berlin, which shifts the mood to a post-punk atmosphere, and Los Amantes (the lovers), a subtle, poetic piece driven by foot-tapping beats. Tracks like UWTB bring swagger with whispered vocals and eerie electronic shifts, while Lullaby among the rubble offers soulful, dreamlike soundscapes.
As the album nears its end, The Season of Open Windows presents a delicate instrumental arrangement featuring piano, guitar, and strings. Der Anfang follows, gradually rising to an emotional crescendo that invites the listener to contemplate the vast and immersive journey of the album.
Wundertüte is a sweeping sonic kaleidoscope, an auditory journey that traverses the sublime and the unusual. It’s a lengthy experience, yet undeniably absorbing from start to finish.
The dedication and care poured into this record are evident, as it navigates countless musical twists and genres. With its thoughtful composition and intricate writing, Cenzontle has crafted an opus that stands out as a true gem, even within the eccentric world of experimental music.
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Words Javier Rodriguez
