Brandon De La Cruz Releases ‘Two Kilos Of Blue’

25 August 2023

Kirikiriroa-based Portland, Oregon ex-pat Brandon De La Cruz has released Two Kilos Of Blue, featuring album focus track All I Saw Was Blue.

Of the track De La Cruz says, “I wrote this song very quickly, probably in one sitting. I remember at the time I was reading Woody Guthrie’s book, Bound For Glory which inspired me to write very simple, improvised songs. Originally I sang it over a fast-picked guitar part. I recorded it on piano with bass drum then took those away and dreamed up a new arrangement in the studio. It features several samples I discovered on Mississippi Records comps, in particular, One Way Gal by William Moore and How Long? by Rev. Charles White.”

Two Kilos Of Blue is the fourth album from the compelling songwriter, and features meditative first single Disguise and follow-up, I Love You Babe, a cover of a song by cult-favourite folk singer Michael Hurley that channels both gravity and tenderness.

All tracks on Two Kilos Of Blue may be considered a reflection of De La Cruz‘ tenure as a staffer at Mississippi Records while living in Portland, OR. Samples of folk and country blues recordings issued from the early 20th century by Mississippi are used by the artist to subtly layer and build his arrangements.

Having released albums inspired by the works of Rainer Maria Rilke, Joan Didion and Ovid, Two Kilos Of Blue sees De La Cruz draw on images and experiences from a spectrum of chapters from his own life.

The record brings together songs written over a 10-year period, linked thematically by love, loss, spirits, seasons, shades of blue and the moon. Painstakingly recorded and arranged over two years at the artist’s studio in Kirikiriroa, each track is a balancing act of consideration and spontaneity.

Simultaneous, unfolding layers of voices, samples and guitars reveal a narrative steeped in longing and mystery. Many of the songs directly invoke emotional and cultural associations with Blue, while others imply it through their atmosphere.

The title of the album refers to a saying of Cezanne’s: “Two kilos of blue is a lot bluer than one,” which in reference to these songs could speak to the layering of shades and moods in each voice, in each song – compounding to create a dark, plumbless opus.

Two Kilos Of Blue is available via Bandcamp.