Like
Russian Red or
La Bien Querida,
Zahara is part of a new generation of talented Spanish female singer/songwriters with an inclination toward indie pop and folk. After her 2009 debut for Universal,
Zahara is back to her independent roots for
La Pareja Tóxica, and it turns out to be a fairly different affair. A thread of sadness and melancholia runs throughout, which makes the album somber, but also much more poignant and cohesive. Ricky Falkner's meticulous production and
Zahara's gentle voice and lyrics, which oscillate between earnest and allusive, round up this fine collection. Worth checking out for fans of
Christina Rosenvinge or
Iván Ferreiro. ~ Mariano Prunes