Secret Soundscapes: Clientele, Pipas Unite for Chamber Pop

Alasdair MacLean of The Clientele and Lupe Núñez-Fernández from Pipas have unveiled their collaborative project, Amor De Días. The duo secretly worked on their debut album, "Street of the Love of Days," in London starting in 2008. This LP presents a collection of pastoral and occasionally psychedelic chamber pop, enriched by contributions from notable musicians including Damon and Naomi, Gary Olson, and Louis Philippe.

The album opens and closes with serene tracks like "Foxes," featuring harp and strings. Núñez-Fernández's vocals are often delivered in Spanish whispers, complementing the gentle sonic landscape. While her harmonies are strong, particularly on a reimagined Clientele song, her performance and MacLean's vocal contributions generally maintain a muted tone. Many compositions feel like brief sketches rather than fully developed pieces.

Across its 15 tracks spanning 42 minutes, the collection often evokes the feeling of subtle background music. Fans of MacLean's work may find it less dynamic than his previous output. The project highlights the smooth blend of their voices, suitable for moods ranging from Brazilian influences to British folk, prioritizing atmosphere over overt energy.