Album Review: "In The Church" by Carlos Maranhão – A Hard Rock Fiesta with Latin Soul
Alright, let’s talk about In The Church by Carlos Maranhão. Released back in 2011 under Brazil's Niterói Discos label, this album is like a spicy mix of hard rock grit and Latin groove. If you’re into music that punches you in the chest but also makes you wanna shake your hips, this one’s for you.
First off, kudos to Carlos Maranhão—he’s pulling triple duty here as the guitarist, composer, and producer. Dude clearly had a vision, and it shows. The band lineup is stacked too, with players switching roles depending on the track. You’ve got Arthur Maia laying down some serious basslines on “Três Eixos,” while André Geléia keeps things thumping on drums for most of the album. And hey, how cool is it that they threw in Celso Ramos on flute for “Sambevisck”? It adds this unexpected jazzy vibe that just works.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks that stuck with me. First up, there’s “Mr. Morse.” This tune hits hard right outta the gate with gnarly riffs and pounding drums courtesy of Leandro Lima. It feels like a rollercoaster ride through a stormy night—chaotic but kinda thrilling. What really gets me though? The way Carlos blends those sharp guitar solos with these sneaky Latin percussion breaks (shoutout to André Brito). It’s not something you hear every day, and man, does it slap.
Then there’s “Hybrid Eyes.” Oh boy, this one’s wild. From the first note, it’s got this eerie, almost cinematic feel, like you’re walking into an old church at midnight. The keyboards from Davi Barcellos give it this haunting edge, and when the electric guitar kicks in… woof. Feels like lightning striking. I can’t explain why exactly, but this track has been looping in my head for days now. Maybe it’s the tension between chaos and melody? Or maybe I’m just weird like that. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
The rest of the album doesn’t disappoint either. Tracks like “Recuerdos De La Danza” bring the Latin flair front and center, while “Jesus In My Home” leans more into straight-up rock territory. Honestly, the variety keeps things fresh—you never know what’s coming next.
Here’s the thing: In The Church isn’t perfect. Some transitions feel a bit rough around the edges, and a couple tracks could use a little more polish. But honestly? That rawness kinda adds to its charm. It’s messy in the best possible way, like a live show where everyone’s feeding off each other’s energy.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that sounds like a sweaty dance floor meets a mosh pit, give In The Church a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start air-guitaring in your living room. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this made me realize how much I miss live concerts. Like, wouldn’t it be rad to see Carlos and the crew tear this stuff up onstage? Someone make that happen, please.
