Salétile's "Saturno 3 - Atmósfera 0" is a deep dive into the murky waters of 60s-inspired psychedelia and neo-shoegaze, with a rich tapestry of influences woven into its fabric. From the outset, the album radiates a unique charm, simultaneously evoking the warmth of sun-dappled nostalgia and the chilling grasp of an overcast "panza de burro" - a layer of insistent low clouds overcasting the region of northern Tenerife, where this band has its roots -. It’s an intriguing juxtaposition that sets the stage for an exploration of sound that feels both local and universal.

The trio's evolution since their debut, "Humanoides del abismo", is palpable. Where the first album transported listeners underwater, "Saturno 3 - Atmósfera 0" re-emerges into the atmospheric embrace of Tenerife's cloud-laden skies. Here, melodic intentions shine brighter, yet the band remains unshackled from the need for commercial appeal, indulging in looping and real-time processing to create a lush sonic landscape.

Tracks like “New Trombone” and “Mr. Waiter” showcase their knack for integrating diverse genres - from 1950s R&B to dub and slowcore - into a cohesive whole. There’s a playful experimentation with textures, and yet, Salétile masterfully keeps their sound grounded, never veering too far into the abstract. This groundedness is reinforced by the playful track titles, like “Fritolay” and “Tiburón 3”, hinting at a tongue-in-cheek attitude that permeates their music.

However, it’s not just about nostalgia or cleverness; the emotional weight of "Saturno 3 - Atmósfera 0" is striking. In moments like “Tingle Bells” and “Brakefast”, the listener is invited into an intimate space where melancholy and joy coexist. The use of contemporary techniques helps to articulate their rich emotional palette, creating a resonant sound that feels both personal and expansive.

The album can sometimes seem like a loopy potpourri of influences, but that’s where its charm lies. It’s a hermetic band that wears its eclecticism proudly, unafraid to push the boundaries of their sound while still delivering moments of beauty and introspection. In a world that often demands neat categorizations, Salétile embraces the beautiful chaos of influence, revealing that it’s not about fitting in, but rather about standing out.

"Saturno 3 - Atmósfera 0" is an audacious exploration of sound and sentiment, one that will surely resonate with fans of not only shoegaze but also the broader landscape of contemporary experimental music and the so-called exotic music.