Albums: Paco Versailles – Ole Maca

Paco Versailles – Ole Maca
Take A Shot; Letras; Ole Maca; Past Life; Little Stranger; Hasta Malaga; Pablo’s Dance; Heaven on my Mind; Rhyme or Reason; Deal with Love.

Paco Versailles is a collaboration between guitarist/composer Vahagni and songwriter/producer Ryan Merchant (Capital Cities). Their sound is a mix of flamenco guitar rhythms with disco-leaning electronic production and captivating vocals, a new genre they call Dancemenco.

Although Paco Versailles hails from California, their hearts are on this side of the Atlantic, or, to be more precise, the Mediterranean. A French flair meets a dash of Spanish guitar, creating a sound that is as refreshing as a summer breeze felt under the hot Italian summer sun.
 
This compelling album has the potential to change Paco Versailles' lack of success in the southern European market. Letras, the album's lead single and second track, captivates listeners with its earworm melody, compelling them to listen again. The song is a reminder of how good pop music can be—when it is in the right hands.
 
With the harmonies of Steeley Dan and the craftmanship of Tears for Fears mixed with the funk of Nile Rodgers, the track should be on the playlists of any discerning radio station from Bordeaux to Bologna, with Radio 2 being a good home for the track in the UK.
 
Hasta Malaga further showcases the Latin influence with Pablo's Dance, a fitting tribute to the renowned painter Pablo Picasso, who grew up in Malaga. The title track of the album comes with a flamenco guitar that takes the listener to the southern shores of Andalusia, while Past Life comes with a Doobie Brothers influence.

Deal With Love, the album's closing track, takes the listener on a musical journey around the Med without any extra baggage—just soulful and inspiring music.