Desert

Feeling really high about this new Barcelona duo Cristina Checa and Eloi Caballé. She was (is still?) the lead vocalist from another excellent Spanish dreampop band Granit, and he the producer. Heavenly soundz, and wow that album art! - Yvynyl

After just one (gorgeous) EP, Cristina Checa and Alba Blasi have officially dissolved Granit, ending things as mysteriously and suddenly as when they first arrived. The world may never hear a full-length from the Barcelona duo, but luckily vocalist Cristina remains committed to the enchanting dream pop of her former project. Joined by producer Eloi Caballe, she is now behind the group DESERT. First track, "Camins," has been described by Checa as a “way to the light” song, hinting at a kind of dark place she traversed to find inspiration. Such a scary and surreal journey is depicted in "Camins." Checa sings as if completely resigned, taking in a strange and unfamiliar terrain manifested here as ornate instrumentation. Ultimately, though, it's a voice that absorbs all fear and insecurity to create something beautiful. Hopefully, with DESERT, we'll be left with some closure with where the journey goes from here. "Camins" will soon be released as a 7" single on Glitter End records. - Club Fonograma

Last year we became enchanted with the haunting voice of Cristina Checa, the vocalist for Barcelonian dream pop duo Granit. Now she's back with a new project, this time a collaboration with Eloi Caballé, the man who produced Granit's self-titled EP. Desert retains many of the same characteristics that made Granit so remarkable with a notably higher energy level and pop-pier songwriting. Of course, throughout both "Desert" and "Camins" is Cristina's gorgeous voice leading the way. - No Fear Of Pop

this second track from the enigmatic Cristina is quite the step-up. It’s like being thrown into a whirlpool of snappy synths and obtuse pop melodies. Unconventional, but deeply satisfying. Desert might be playing the arrogance card, but this self-titled track is a keeper. - this is fake DIY

While GRANIT reminded us of dream pop like Beach House, DESERT is a step further into a more ethereal sound - think Cocteau Twins meets Laurel Halo, with lyrics sung in Catalan to give it an interesting twist. Camins is the first song the duo have put out, premiering here at DN. - Disco Naiveté

A Barcelona musician named Cristina is the brain behind this new project. She used to work in a similarly remarkable dreampop band called Granit, who received as many Beach House comparisons as they did plaudits. This new project, DESERT, screams progression, as deftly applied vocals float over a magnificent, obtuse backdrop of throbbing percussion and tribal musicianship. Here’s hoping Cristina stays true to this new project for years to come. - this is fake DIY