Written by Bob Smith and published in Static Dive on July 31, 2019
* See original publication here
A couple of weeks ago I reviewed “Love U Blind” from Binary Drift (aka Mauricio Yrivarren). That was a New Wave Disco romp with a funky bass and some wah-wah guitar. On his new track, “A Song for Vampires,” Mauricio has traded the mirrorball for a couple of acoustic guitars and a Bossa Nova beat.
The result is a jazzy little number featuring stellar musicianship, and a cool vibe. It is a warm and organic sound. I imagined myself sitting in a coffee shop in Rio, sipping espresso and enjoying an acoustic Binary Drift jam.
At the heart of the song is a lone rhythm guitar and Mauricio’s voice. The mood of the tune is different than his last, but that smooth tenor and cool lyrical visuals remain and are in full form here.
This is a breakup song, which is pretty standard fare for songwriters. However, Mauricio’s writing style owes as much to the beat poets as it does the Brill Building. The meaning of lines like, “I’ll dress you up in fire, if you stick around,” or “no one knows you in Hell,” may not be apparent, but the imagery is undeniable.
Conga drums, a shaker, and lead acoustic guitar take turns dancing around the rhythm and the voice. About halfway through the song, a flute joins the mix. From that point forward, the flute and the lead guitar double each other. It adds a really nice jazz flare to the moment. I love it.
“A Song for Vampires” is one of a series of singles being released from the Binary Drift album “Pocket Tunes”. It is a great listen. Click the links below for more.