With seven albums under his belt it seems that the Texas born (raised in Venezuela) folk singer Devandra Banhart has renewed his eclectic sound and even banished that beard! In an exploration of the some-what subdued, his eighth album ‘Mala’ depicts the sad echoes of ruined affection.

During the early years of ‘Oh Me Oh My’ Banhart was disconnected from the mainstream and notably experimental in style. Simple guitar melodies and dreamlike, lyrical themes are typical but perhaps the transition from discreet indie label Young Gods to major players Warner Bros; a more radio-friendly direction has been taken. This is probably why he is pretty much a household name these days. Songs like ‘Baby’ and the beautiful ‘Santa Maria De Feira’ provide that sweet bohemian poetry that Banhart is best known for but his recent album release has a fragmented approach with an almost ‘work in progress’ feel.

Since Banhart’s 2009 release of ‘What Will Be Will Be’ and his Grammy nominated visual arts project he has progressed with a move from LA to New York and set up home with his fiancée, the gorgeous Serbian photographer Ana Kras. He even duets with Kras on ‘Mala’ track ‘Your Fine Petting Duck’ An artful duet evoking memories of lost love… not their love I might add. Apparently their first exchange when the two met was a marriage proposal – She originally said no.

I guess the rest is history.

New album ‘Mala’ will be released on March 12th 2013.