Pumarosa
The Witch
(Harvest Records)

Pumarosa has been around for a little while now, having released a self-titled EP in 2016 and their “Priestess” single in 2015, which was remixed by indie-electro solo artist, Shura. It also features vocalist, Isabel Munoz-Newsome’s work as the album art, and her sister Fernanda as a dancer in the video. This album is their first full-length release and I was so busy listening to it, that it was hard to take the time to stop and write about it.

It starts with “Dragonfly,” a steady post-punk slow jam with Munoz-Newsome’s airy vocals setting the tone for an album that’s equal parts dark and light, fragile and powerful. On the second track, “Honey,” I hear a little bit of Superstition-era Siouxsie and the Banshees, and a little bit of The Cure in its driving bass lines, but more polished and layered. “Priestess” appears on this album as well, and it’s clear from the first few opening bars why so many people started paying attention to this band.

Munoz-Newsome’s voice is hauntingly beautiful over a buildup that turns into a hypnotic synth-pop track. “My Gruesome Loving Friend” showcases the band’s diverse influences in its Pixies-esque, grungy simplicity. The album ends with “Snake,” which eloquently captures one description of the band as “spiritual industrial.” No matter which genres they span, this is a solidly produced, versatile, and memorable album which leaves me wanting to hear more from them.