Fuerteventura Russian Red

Born Lourdes Hernandez, the Spanish singer-songwriter who goes by the name Russian Red delves deep into the indie rock scene in Fuerteventura. She creates refreshing music in her new album, but with a hint of nostalgia. Themes of heartbreak and lost love are given new treatment.

The album begins with Everyday Everynight, a ballad about broken hearts and longing. With a perfectly paced tempo (which is present in every track), soft coos from a guitar and perfect beats, Everyday Everynight comes across as a dreamy haze.

Hernandez's vocals have a delightful range of genuine humanity and passion. She is able to cover an entire spectrum of emotion, seamlessly switching from childlike wonder to melancholic loss.

I Hate You But I Love You begins with Hernandez's voice serenading the sky. The music captures the conflicting feelings; it is entirely mesmerising, with whispers of an all-too-real vulnerability. Particular praise should be given to the minimalist lyrics that seem to say so much in the fewest possible words, leaving plenty of room for personal interpretation.

Fuerteventura comes highly recommended as a great example of a folk album.