Review by Aaron Cloutier & Staff
The W.A M. Awards celebrate the year’s most outstanding independent artists from around the world in multiple genres and categories. "Best Song" and "Best Album" nominations were based on Artistry, Musicianship, Originality, Professionalism, Diversity, and Excellence. W.A.M. stands for "We Are the Music Makers.' Labán's song " Acercate'" was the 2020 W.A.M. Award Winner for Best Song in the Latin music category.
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you will be able to instantly pick up a sense of yearning in vocalist/songwriter Laban’s delivery as he laments on an inner turmoil circling around an undefined status between himself and his love interest.
“Tell me where you stand!” “Tell me what this relationship is!” “Tell me what you’re so afraid of.” I get the impression that this other person has some kind of fear of commitment or perhaps is in another relationship and is afraid to listen to their own heart. Or maybe it’s as if Laban is adding a new entry into a near full journal. Perhaps it’s a quiet confession. Either way, the performance speaks volumes. The feeling is of a man out on a limb and laying his cards on the table.
The lyrics themselves don’t get too specific and leave plenty to the imagination which complements Laban’s “whispering in your ear” vocal style. His subdued yet intensely emotional performance immediately draw you in as if he’s telling you a secret that no one else is meant to hear. The vocals never go above a light voice registration and somehow, it never gets monotonous resulting in a performance that is both emotive and infectious.
The rhythm and slow brooding tempo are the unsung heroes of the song and the pulse of “Acercate” swings hard. Short staccato bass lines lock in with the kick and snare drum creating a tight foundation for sparse clean guitars and vocals. The use of space in the instrumentation coupled with Laban’s delicate vocal stylings produce an effect that is equally hypnotic and intoxicating.
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About Labán
Labán is a singer-songwriter and producer born in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California. He started playing the violin when he was 3 and since then, he has been captivated by music and performing arts. The first studio album by Labán, Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí includes a little bit of social and political protest, existentialism and heartbreak stories.
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