Razteria appears on our blog for the first time thanks to new collaborative album, Prowess Blossoming.

By Graeme Smith

Real name Renée Asteria Peñaloza, Razteria is a singer songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area of the US. For her latest album, Prowess Blossoming, she’s teamed up with guitarist and producer Dave Shul.

The pair have created a timeless sound with their new album, bringing ’60s and ’70s rock and soul right up to date. We get what they’re doing straight from the off thanks to the sultry, slow-burning opener Fade Away. It sets the scene nicely, showcasing Razteria’s emotional vocal and Dave’s skill in production.

From there we get tales of love at first sight, finding beauty in the present, peace, and soulmates. A warmth permeates through all of the album’s eleven tracks while things are musically varied. The big rock riffs of Piece of mine and Not now rub shoulders with pop sentiments in tracks like Shot to the heart and TIME. There are Quieter moments like i love and Life is too short, and we even get a diversion to reggae with sensual album closer Keep it innocent.

Razteria and Dave have created a sound that’s easy to get lost in, and will appeal to lovers of the old school and the new. Her voice is utterly compelling and is paired beautifully with the unforgettable instrumental arrangements. Their new album is a cracker just in time for Christmas.

Prowess Blossoming was produced by Dave and mixed by Razteria. It features the talents of Ronnie Smith on drums and vocals, Roberto Quintana on percussion, Eamon Flynn and Bob Crawford on keys, Dan Casares on tenor and baritone sax, and Joel Behrman on trumpet. It was mastered by Justin Weiss at TrakWorx in San Francisco.

The album is out now, available to buy as a digital download on Bandcamp. You can give it a listen below.