Releasing under the tastemaker label Mixto Records, Harvest marks the highly anticipated fourth album from BALTHVS, a trio that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of Middle Eastern sounds, chill surf vibes, and the rich musical heritage of its Colombian roots.
Balthazar Aguirre, Johanna Mercuriana, and Santiago Lizcano came together just over four years ago with a vision to create soothing, culturally resonant music. Harvest is the culmination of their journey, a milestone reflecting their artistic evolution and shared experiences.
For the first time, Harvest is the product of all three band members contributing equally to the composition process. The album’s title is a metaphor for the band’s current state—a time of reaping the rewards of their hard work.
After four years of grinding in the industry, BALTHVS (pronounced ball + thus) has experienced exponential growth, boasting over 15 million streams and performing in theaters and festivals across North America and Europe.
Recorded in a villa amidst the lush, tropical hills of La Mesa, Colombia, Harvest is a sonic journey that is both optimistic and deeply groovy. The trio spent a month in a secluded summer house, surrounded by nature, where they found inspiration in the environment around them. “We wanted to be inspired by nature more than just a studio setting,” the band recalls. “So we brought our recording equipment to the tropical landscape and started working.”
This natural setting became an integral part of the album’s creation. Unlike their previous albums, where Balthazar Aguirre took the lead on the recording, composing, producing, and arranging, Harvest emerged as a collaborative effort, with all three members pouring their creativity into every track.
The month-long retreat in La Mesa yielded 16 tracks, resulting in a full studio album that was released digitally and on vinyl in July. Harvest features songs harmonizing vocals with instruments, weaving lyrical poetry into tranquil grooves. Highlights include “Like Coconut Water,” an exuberant track that captures the essence of a tropical escape, and “Anouk,” a gorgeous groove dedicated to the house cat who stood watch during recording sessions. “Mango Season” delivers a laid-back, funky instrumental perfect for relaxation, skateboarding, or simply watching clouds drift by.
“Aguacero,” one of the few tracks with lyrics, is sung in Spanish by bassist and vocalist Johanna Mercuriana. Inspired by four days of non-stop rain, the song reflects the heat, humidity, and abundance of water that characterized their recording environment—physically and emotionally.
The ballad “Lovin’” celebrates the joy and wonder of love, while “Sun & Moon,” one of the two tracks not written in La Mesa, channels the band’s post-tour energy into a danceable groove infused with electronic influences.
Fans of Khruangbin will surely love Harvest, but BALTHVS is even more steeped in the groove than those legendary Texans. Fans of Third Eye favorite Free Whenever should also love BALTHVS’ new record, as it features a sun-drenched tropical vibe that’s hard to resist. Catch them during their current tour, where they still have a few U.S. dates through October, and then hop over to Europe.
Check out Harvest by BALTHVS on Bandcamp here.
BALTHVS: Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Official Site
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