Oriana Setz - Metamorfosis (Self-Released)

Oriana Setz is an Ecuadorian musician based in New Zealand, and a few weeks ago she released her new album Metamorfosis. A key participant of the AlterLatino music movement, Setz writes songs that blur the lines between reality and fiction with lyrics that touch on social and political issues. With a sound that is equal parts folk and indie pop, Setz and her deeply soulful voice are influenced by highly individualistic acts like Florence & The Machine and Birdy, and the album is a testament to her belief that music can be a therapeutic experience for both the musician and the listener.

There’s a light, jazzy feel to songs like “Pastel Lilac” and “Pendulum Effect” as if the melody were carried in on a breeze, but this disguises the true complexity and depth of Setz’s lyrics, often causing their full weight to sneak up on you. This isn’t always hidden, however, because the title track “Metamorfosis” is an emotional, intimate ballad, and the artist dips into tempestuous alt rock with “A Little Bit Blinder.” With only seven songs, Setz manages to cover a lot of territory and themes with Metamorfosis, and she emerges as one of the most innovative new singer-songwriters precisely because of her commitment to originality and self-satisfaction.