Less than two months from her previous effort, ‘Mi Sangre Baila’, Ivelisse del Carmen is back with a brand new record, a striking display of aural elegance and songwriting tenderness wrapped into a timeless production. Aptly titled ‘Illusion’, the track feels incredibly hypnotic and blissful, a laidback, heartwarming ballad that ends up somewhere in between traditional Bolero and soulful crooner allure. Furthermore, the song is immersed in lyrical mystery, so to speak, narrating a tale of attraction and hidden desires that invites personal interpretation. It’s an ethos that fits the record’s overall luscious character well.
Listening to ‘Illusion’ is like stepping into a smoky club filled with velvet curtains and rose-shaped champagne glasses; a retro, nostalgic flair that evokes a distant, ethereal dream, sort of like… an illusion. del Carmen’s vocals are up to the task from the first note, showcasing their technical prowess and their melodic vibrato. Ivelisse delivers each line with gentle energy, allowing every word and phrase the right amount of time to breathe and settle. As far as we are concerned, ‘Illusion’ is a true sonic jewel, a lovable, brooding piece.
Produced by Paul Stanborough, the single draws keen inspiration from notable Puerto Rican scriptwriter, poet, singer and composer Sylvia Rexach, especially from her specific work with Boleros. As the reader might already be aware, Ivelisse del Carmen shares strong roots with Puerto Rico. Delving deeper into the new release, she explains: “I wanted the harmonies of a traditional bolero, but delivered with the intimacy and fragility of Billie Holiday.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Illusion’ now: