Album Review: Palace Of Mirrors by Rob Garza
Man, Palace Of Mirrors is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2015 under Magnetic Moon—a label based outta Spain—it’s a hypnotic blend of electronic and house beats with just enough soul to keep your head nodding for hours. Rob Garza, y'know, the genius behind Thievery Corporation, shows he can still craft something fresh while staying true to his roots. The vibe? Think sultry nights, neon-lit streets, and maybe even a rooftop somewhere in Barcelona.
The album's got ten tracks, but two really stuck with me—like glue. First off, there’s "Re Mana (feat. Vasuda Sharma)." Oh my god, this tune feels like it was made for wandering through empty city alleys at 3 AM. Vasuda’s voice floats over the beat like smoke curling from a candle wick—it’s soft but sharp enough to pierce right through you. And then the bassline kicks in... dude, I swear, it’s so smooth it could melt ice cubes without breaking a sweat. It’s not just music; it’s an experience. Every time I hear it, I feel like I’m stepping into some secret world where time slows down and nothing else matters.
Then there’s "Hide The Sunlight (feat. Sutja Gutierrez)." This one hits different. It starts slow, almost hesitant, like it’s testing the waters before diving deep. When Sutja’s vocals come in, they’re raw and kinda haunting—you can tell she means every word. There’s this moment halfway through when the synths swell up unexpectedly, and BAM, goosebumps everywhere. Like, how does he do that? It’s the kind of track that makes you wanna close your eyes and let the sound wash over you until all your worries disappear.
What gets me about Palace Of Mirrors is how human it feels despite being packed with electronic layers. It’s not cold or mechanical—it breathes, man. You can hear Rob pouring his heart into each track, experimenting with textures and moods until everything clicks perfectly. Even the remixes, like the Psychemagik Mix of "Re Mana," bring something new to the table without losing the original magic.
So yeah, listening to this album feels like walking through a dream—or maybe a memory you haven’t lived yet. Weird way to put it, I know, but that’s what great music does, right? Makes you think weird thoughts and see things differently.
And honestly? If I ever find myself lost in a desert (preferably near blue agave fields), I’d want this album playing on repeat. Not sure why—maybe because it reminds me that beauty can exist even in the most unexpected places. Or maybe it’s just damn good house music. Who knows.
