María Mónica Gutiérrez, aka Montañera, is a Colombian artist who lived in London for a long time. A Flor de Piel, her third solo album, perfectly embodies the synthesis of these two universes.
Montañera draws heavily on Colombian or Afro-Colombian folkloric influences from the Caribbean coast. But these sounds are kneaded and re-processed through a mixture of synthesizers and echo chambers, which give astonishing colours and flavours.
Published at the end of 2023, A Flor de Piel is intended to be a reflection on immigration and how it transforms the identity of those who experience it. And it’s really successful.
It’s Maria Monica Gutierrez who does almost everything: vocals – plural – synthesizers and kora. Some traditional Colombian artists are added to certain pieces.
Montañera had already established herself as an alternative songwriter in her previous albums as well as with the electronic group Sagan. One of his songs from a previous album was even remixed by Quebecois Boogat.
But A Flor de Piel is a more personal, meditative, emotional, and a frankly impressive opus.
