New Devendra Banhart Tracks

Download: Devendra Banhart - "Tonada Yanomaminsta"
Download: Devendra Banhart - "Rosa"

Pitchfork posted the link to stream two new Devendra Banhart songs the other day and I finally got around to listening to them. The two songs, "Rosa" and "Tonada Yanomaminsta" are from his upcoming Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon.



"Rosa" is definitely in Devendra's minimalist freak-folk tradition but also is a little more subdued. The song startsout with nothing but a spare, mournful piano line. The song eventually builds by adding upright bass, harp and drums to create a truly haunting, atmospheric track. "Tonada Yanomaminsta" begins with a brief sound collage before settling into a pounding rock sound. There's a little bit of a Santana feel to the bridge of the song, particularly in the addition of the hammond organ. Despite the unique name, this is probably one of the more straightforward rock tracks that Devendra has ever done. The ending of the song is a bit too abrupt for my liking.

You can stream the songs on his MySpace Page or download them by clicking on the links above.

(Jonathan Graef)