Cristal

The most ambient entry in Bajofondo's catalog, "Cristal" (Crystal) is transparent in more than name — the production opens up into something spacious and light-filled, the usual rhythmic density largely absent, replaced by shimmer and sustain. Piano figures refract through electronic processing into prisms of sound; strings have the quality of light on water. This is tango divorced almost entirely from its dance function, retaining only the harmonic and melodic DNA of the tradition while becoming something closer to contemporary classical composition or ambient music. Quieter and more patient than most of the collective's work, "Cristal" rewards headphone listening in particular — details emerge on repeated plays, small sounds that were always there but needed stillness to become audible. Sunday morning music, early enough that the day hasn't quite solidified yet.