This came out in January, and it's a sweet little mini-album with six milonga-friendly covers.
We can count our lucky stars whenever a new tango release comes out, and doubly so when it does not contain Piazzolla. So I'm happy, even though it's only six tracks. Six is more than zero!
You can rely on Romantica working hard for your bodily enjoyment on the dance floor. Nobody really needs this review; if you like them, you'll like this stuff.
The music in detail
Last Tango in Paris features an instrumental cover of the popular tune from the 1972 movie with Marlon Brando.
Romantica does this very well, and I think it's one of their biggest strenghts. People already love these songs, and now they get to dance to them!
Buscándote is one of the few Fresedo tunes I can stomach, and counts among the top favorites of contemporary tango bands - few can resist the temptation to make a cover.
Antonella Alfonso, in her possibly first recording with Romantica, blends seamlessly with the band and delivers a pleasant experience. I quite like the female take on the theme; it fits its elegant characteristic and paints with gentle, calming tones.
Romantica recorded Fuimos already - in 2020 with Ximena Gimenez. I'm not sure if I like her or Antonella Alfonso better. Can I like both of them? Sure I can!
For the record, Pugliese's 1946 rendering with Roberto Chanel is not necessarily binding in Romantica's opinion. It's miles away in terms of its arrangement, and that's okay. They opted for a decidedly uncomplicated, optimistic interpretation and it totally makes sense.
Maipo starts with a long-ish piano intro, and the piano has a certain honky-tonky quality that made me grin. I found it satisfying, although not particularly memorable. You've probably danced to D'Arienzo's 1939 version, so you pick your favorite.
That said, you don't need originality to make dancers happy, so whatever the cover might lack there it more than enough supplies in the enthusiasm department. Sitting down, I might pass, but I'd hate to be left standing on a milonga with this track opening an instrumental tanda!
And now for something completely different: Sangre de mi sangre.
If you've danced to probably the only previous recording of it, the 1956 version by Edgardo Donato c. Raúl Angeló, you can call yourself a true tango nerd! 🤓 I tried DJing it once - not sure what the reception was back then, but I haven't tried since. Late Donato can be tricky to get right and is definitely not suitable for all audiences.
Romantica recreated the tune in a way that I think has better chances of finding happy customers. It's not as dark as Donato without compromising its lyrical qualities. I liked the singer Marc Bellini, for whom it's possibly also his first appearance on Romantica's records; he's expressive enough and does not overdo it.
Sure, if you want to go to the darkest place, read the lyrics and listen to the Donato instead. Your call. I'll probably stick to the Romantica's version from now on.
Todo is a strong closer to the album. Even as I love the Laurenz/Podestá recording, I could appreciate this more forceful, sharper rendition. Chances are that you will, too!
In closing
When Romantica releases a new album, I know I can buy it right away without checking it first on the streaming platforms.
They are proud populists and never betray your confidence. As a milonguero, you know that whatever they do, your needs come first.
I don't take that for granted.