New Wave from Freak Orlando

Freak Orlando is the moniker of the 29-year-old bedroom musician Raul Pozos, who takes us on a journey through a range of styles including new wave, alternative, psychedelic and shoegaze all filtered through his unique sonic lens. Employing musical tools such as differently tuned guitars, omnichord, stylophone, theremin and lashings of reverb, Raul crafts a unique experience unlike anything else.

His creative journey began in 2013 when he started writing songs. However, it was the poetic ballads of 60s acts like Michel Polnareff, Serge Gainsbourg and Françoise Hardy that truly ignited his songwriting passion. Around the same time, he developed an affinity for effect pedals, ultimately assembling 40-piece pedalboards over the years.

This year, Freak Orlando made a striking entrance with three collections of songs aptly titled Demos I, Demos II, and Demos III. Now, he offers a 6-track EP titled UNSOLICITED DEMO, featuring select songs from his first two releases. In this EP, he refines his sound into a more pop-focused direction, with all the songs composed and produced in his bedroom in Mexico City during 2021. Initially conceived using recorded phone notes, Raul expertly weaves his fascination with the occult, pagan beliefs and pop culture into his songwriting.

The EP unfolds with “Honeymoon at Cana,” where gritty guitar lines reverberate and twang in a sea of reverb and delay effects. Raul’s ethereal vocals gracefully hover above, creating an immersive new wave soundscape with hints of Brit pop influences in his vocal delivery. As the song evolves into a full-band arrangement with lively drums, it bridges the gap between an intimate atmosphere and bold commercial appeal.

“Spectra Spectacle” maintains the atmospheric vibe but with a more laid-back approach. Softly grooving drums accompany dynamic vocal melodies and the guitar strums add a subtle crunch to the mix. The result is a captivating sonic journey that envelops the listener in its washy textures. Highlights abound in the EP, such as “Hallucinate The Supernal,” which pulses with energy driven by pumping bass lines, punchy drums, and haunting guitars, a perfect canvas for Raul’s commanding vocal delivery with a swaggering attitude.

The EP reaches its finale with “Land Of The Phantasm Carnival,” kicking off with Raul’s signature fuzzed-out guitar tones and a racing, cowbell-adorned drumbeat. The result is a thrilling and high-octane sonic landscape brimming with infectious energy and memorable melodies.

Freak Orlando’s musical journey led him to London, where he actively promoted his demo releases by sticker-bombing news of his music in public spaces, from toilets to tube stations. This grassroots effort led to gigs in London’s indie underground scene, organised by Underground Sound. Now back in Mexico City, he’s preparing for the next chapter in his musical evolution.

Listen to UNSOLICITED DEMO below

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