by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Colombian producer and vocalist Ela Minus made waves with her debut LP for Domino, Acts Of Rebellion, in 2020.

Now DÍA, the follow-up, is described as “a record about becoming, from a process that entailed self-discovery at a deliberate pace to songs that seem to collectively ask where we go from here, long after we’ve been broken but long before we intend to be broken forever.”

Minus worked with the same team as her debut, Marta Salogni and Heba Kadry providing the critical studio support.

What’s the music like?

There is a notable urgency in the way Ela Minus makes her music, and a confidence that she is saying exactly what she wants to say, with a compelling mixture of pop sensibility, underground electronic creativity and a willingness to try new things.

After Abrir Monte gives us an airy introduction, Minus goes for broke with the epic Broken, and the glitchy track IDK. Onwards drives forward with impressive intent and focus, while Upwards takes those qualities to the next level with terrific momentum, a suitable way to crown the short but urgent tracklist.

Does it all work?

It does. While DÍA could arguably benefit from being longer, it is a statement of intent, a compressed but vital piece of work.

Is it recommended?

Yes, enthusiastically – a telling reminder of the abundance of talent in South American electronic music. Ela Minus is an original voice who, on this evidence, has plenty more to say and plenty more places to go.

For fans of… Miss Kittin, Ellen Allien, Sofia Kourtesis, The Hacker

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,457 – Wednesday 26 February 2025