Back in October, Ocenpsiea enticed us with the blissful and exhilarating ‘Noite Acústica’. The single landed as an intriguing one-off, but it turned out to be a hint, pointing towards something bigger. Last Friday, the Braga-based outfit released their fourth album, Ensaio Sobre a Surdez, an ambitious and thought-provoking effort weaving together a mesmerising tapestry of jazz, electronica, Portuguese folk, rock and hip-hop. Translating from Portuguese as “Essay on Deafness”, the new album  is described by the band as a reflection on contemporary society, and it also pays tribute to José Saramago, echoing the spirit of his novels Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira and Ensaio Sobre a Lucidez. João Vilaça (drums and electronics), Gonçalo Cravinho (electric and double bass), and João Ferreira (keyboards), who make up Ocenpsiea, composed the entire record, and invited a host of collaborators, including Bruno Pernadas on guitar, Ghais Guevara and Marlon on vocals, plus contributions from Lucas Oliveira on baritone and soprano sax, Francisca Ribeiro on violin,  Alessio Cunha on cello, Lucas Faria on flute, and Bárbara Ferreira on oboe. The result is a bold, exploratory and richly layered work, full of vibrancy and detail, showcasing a band unafraid to venture into new territory.

Ensaio Sobre a Surdez is now streaming on bandcamp, and for a taste of what’s on offer, listen to one of the album’s tracks, the thrilling and groovy ‘Subsistir’.

Formed in 2014 whilst studying at the Conservatory of Music in Braga, Ocenpsiea are a Portuguese band comprising João Nuno Teixeira Vilaça on drums, Gonçalo Cravinho Lopes on bass, Francisco Carneiro on violin, and Tomás Alvarenga on keyboards and production. Weaving elements of jazz, funk, Portuguese folk, rock, hip-hop, electronic music, and a good dose of humour, the quartet explores different sonic territories while remaining remarkably cogent. With three albums under their belt, including Cónega 103 (2017), Sabão Rosa (2018), and Oceano-Mar (2021), Ocenpsiea have carved out a space as one of Portugal’s most forward-thinking and exciting acts in contemporary music.

Today sees them releasing, ‘Noite Acústica’, a brand new single straddling that perfect line between blissful and exhilarating. The track captures Ocenpsiea’s unique blend of acoustic and electronic textures that build in intensity, and is a testament to their ability to fuse intricate rhythms with melodious grace. Listen to ‘Noite Acústica’ below.