Bolero meets Techno? “Historia de Amor” from Deborah de Luca and Veronica Simioli is now out on Factory 93
• Unique techno
• Strong vocals over solid beat
• Kick doesn’t impress, the idea does
Sure, purists might argue that “Historia de Amor” isn’t the Hard Techno we’re used to hearing from Techno star Deborah de Luca. Call it what you will – Melodic Techno, Techno, Bass House – but I’m penning this review because I absolutely enjoyed this track.
It’s actually a rework of a 1955 bolero by Carlos Eleta Almarán, written after the death of his brother’s wife. You’ve probably heard it around; it seems like everyone has covered it. There’s something magical about the lyrics, something that touches the soul. Hearing a techno version, albeit a delicate one, was quite the surprise.
Let’s start with the vocals, beautifully delivered by the amazing Veronica Simioli. Over a dark and ethereal base, the singer gives a hypnotic and suave performance, enchanting listeners with her words. She did an excellent job, though I felt the heavy kicks in the background somewhat “polluted” the initial breakdown, adding unnecessary aggression. Given the way techno has been evolving in recent years, and since this is already an experimental take, I would have dared to go for a more minimal intro.
That said, Deborah de Luca has laid down a solid techno pattern, slowly building a breakdown with a distinctive lead. There’s a heavy Bass House influence, and it slaps pretty hard in the drop, showcasing a frenetic bassline alongside the same kick we’ve heard throughout.
The vocals add a special essence to that part, really standing out as the crowning glory of the composition.
On one hand, the base intrigues me as it leans towards a side of the genre I enjoy, but the kick does start to sound a bit monotonous over time. However, “Historia de Amor” maintains its personality, elegance, and the courage to rework such different source material. One can’t help but appreciate the effort. A great release indeed.
