Review: Botanica - Berlin Hi-Fi

The first time I was introduced to Botanica was at The Delancey, back in October (review here), and I fell in love instantly. By the time I paid their live show a second visit (review here), I knew the band would surely start to be listed amongst my favorite local acts.

Their sound is indeed difficult to describe. Whereas someone like The View could easily be labeled as bratty teenage brit-pop, or Amiina could be described as all-female Icelandic multi-instrumentalists, Botanica's music cannot be summed up within a few catch phrases.

At times jazzy, at times soulful, at times Radiohead 'Exit Music'-like. Berlin Hi-Fi (the band's fourth full-length) is unforgettably unique with fantastic/exciting song build-ups led by Paul Wallfisch's (Botanica frontman) precocious knowledge of melody. Oh and for the record, Paul incorporates the following instruments into the album: organ, wurlitzer, toy piano, theremin, stratus, omnichord + other noisemakers. I can't get enough of Botanica!

Official site/MySpace page (tell them The Music Slut sent ya!)