Eparaka

Eparaka is the first album from young Mozambican singer Deltino Guerreiro. It's been two years in the making, and the final result is a sweet and laid-back debut. Sounds on the album come from all over the African diaspora, but it remains overwhelmingly Lusophone: as well as local styles, Guerreiro draws heavily from Brazilian bossa nova and samba, and elements from modern Portuguese and Angolan music. The influence of soul also hangs heavily across the band's grooves and a sprinkle of jazz is occasionally tastefully applied, too. Over all this of floats Guerreiro's dulcet tones. His voice has an oddly James Taylor-esque vibe; it's soft but assured, and full of feeling. Electronics flow through the album – a drum machine and some programming here, a synth and some studio trickery there – but it all slots in well to the mix. Despite this, and the full arrangements, the album's overall feel is surprisingly acoustic, as if the whole thing could be re-recorded with acoustic guitar, piano, double bass and percussion yet keep the same vibe.

With Eparaka, Guerreiro has made an album that's ideal for a chilled-out, warm summer's night; it gets even better with each new listening.