With a decidedly cool style, Moriah Plaza blends Brazilian samba, cinematic Latin jazz and psychedelic pop from the 1960s on their new EP, Própolis.

Their eponymous debut album, released in 2023 on Batov Records, had already won over critics. Broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music and NTS in the United Kingdom, on FIP in France, and also featured by Bandcamp Weekly and Apple Music, it quickly established the band as one of the leading names in global pop and contemporary jazz.

With Própolis, the project picks up where the first album left off, but further affirms the collective dynamic of the now stable Berlin-based band. It features Tamir Chen (bass) and Moosh Lahav (keyboard, flute), both from Tel Aviv and former members of the shoegaze band Soda Fabric, joined by Gretchen Schadebrodt (vocals, guitar) from Chile and Alice Moss (drums) from the UK.

The title track, written with Brazilian poet and singer Cecília Erisman, is imbued with tropical joy. Reminiscent of Os Mutantes and Hermeto Pascoal, its bossa-psychedelic chorus (‘la la la la la’), airy flutes and organ riffs give it a luminous glow.

‘Dizendo’ evokes the laid-back atmosphere of a Latin American café, cigarette and espresso in hand. The jazzy organ, delicate Latin touches and Gretchen’s carefree voice create an instant charm.

With “Besos en La Playa”, the listener is carried even further, towards a more assertive Latin jazz, where the Spanish lyrics whisper romantic stories by the sea

Finally, “Dom Dom” closes the EP with a gradual build-up, culminating in an epic vocal crescendo reminiscent of Stereolab or Zero 7. Alice Moss’s precise drumming and Moosh Lahav’s delicate flute ensure a subtle balance right up to the last breath.

By broadening its spectrum of influences, Moriah Plaza redefines its elusive and unique sound identity, appealing to fans of Calexico and Khruangbin alike.