Paula Teles is back, pushing fado’s envelope even further. Not that it’s more intense than “Desencanto”, no, but while the latter dwells in an overall sense of longing, “Entre Paredes” embraces a darker and more defiant tragedy. Let’s go through it track by track.

“Prólogo” is an instrumental piece that carves the path for what comes next, but it’s much more than an intro – the magic of the Portuguese guitar combined with tantalizing arrangements tells its own story. After all, it’s a piece in memory of the virtuoso Carlos Paredes.

Now “Ventre” is the poster-song of the aforementioned “defiant tragedy”. Such a pulsing and dramatic symphony, matching the somber and powerful tone in Paula’s voice.

The lullaby-like chords which “Pêndulo” begins with turn into a tempo storm of riffs and vocals, a clock ticking here and there for an ominous impression.

There’s something about Paula’s timbre in “Contra-Regra” that I can’t quite describe. I’ve already established how strong and passionate it always sounds, but there’s more in this particular song. Maybe it’s how the melody shapes and enhances it, because if I imagine an unplugged version of “Contra-Regra”, it would be a straightforward fado song, in all its glory, and therefore a whole other depth of raw sentiment.

“II Acto” is probably the most sorrowful song here, flowing through a slower, dramatic cadence, and making the heaviness of its message unmistakable – even when you don’t speak Portuguese.

Just like “Pêndulo”, “Ponto Cego” also has a delicate start, but more of a ballad than a cradle song. And when you think that’s what you’re listening to, it spits fire in every direction, that early silkiness revealing itself an overture for a dashing play.

Not exactly a save-the-best-for-last situation, since all songs leave their own mark in your ear – and heart – but Björn Strid is once again Paula’s guest, and therefore “(Re)Encarnado” is somewhat more special. His vigorous pitch joining her most spirited one, built on one of the richest textures of Portuguese guitar, result in a tenacious and daring lil’ masterpiece.

9/10

Label: Ethereal Sound Works Label

Producer: Jorge Lopes

Track list:

1. Prólogo
2. Ventre
3. Pêndulo
4. Contra-Regra
5. II Acto
6. Ponto Cego
7. (Re)Encarnado (feat. Björn Strid)

paulateles.bandcamp.com/album/entreparedes-2