Ciao Bello’s self-titled debut strolls through all twelve of its delicious tunes without breaking a sweat. Exploring tropicalia through the lens of contemporary indie, these smartly crafted songs bring fresh life to both genres. At times indebted to Antonio Carlos Jobim, at others picking the Cardigans’ pocket, Ciao Bello are confident enough in their own approach and delivery to have created something unique and beautiful.

Primarily consisting of acoustic guitar, a drum kit, and two vocals, these songs are as textured and multifaceted as a band with three times the personnel. Three tracks feature a guest saxophone player, which fits the vibe and lends some credibility to the pastiche. Jittery bossanova rhythms on the guitar combine with spare but innovative drumming, overlaid with authentically delivered vocal harmonies to create a timeless sound that’s also paradoxically novel.

Both the production and the songwriting deserve credit. The sounds are deep and rich, and the mix creates a warmth that lets this music blossom into more than the sum of its parts. The parts themselves are constructed into forms that frequently defy expectation. Rhythmic trickery and shifting time signatures keep listeners on their toes. “When I Was Young” could be a post-rock anthem if the band drew as much inspiration from Slint and June of 44 as they do Getz/Gilberto (and maybe they do – check out the distorted breakdown on “Micheladas on the Beach”). Still, several of these tunes pull so evenly from multiple genres they're not beholden to any. “Lampshade” employs jazz chords and up-tempo rhythms to an eerie effect that’s tough to pin down. “Different Details” teases going off the rails in a controlled chaos that nicely closes the album. All throughout, any song can turn on a dime and deliver the listener to a place they weren't expecting. No choice comes across as precious because it's played with precision. For a timid-sounding style of music, these are fully committed decisions.

Including a rendition of “Girl from Ipanema” cements their homage to the giants of the genre, but Ciao Bello’s willingness to diverge from tradition – both classic and contemporary – puts these songs on a level separate from their influences and their peers. This is a document reflecting two artists’ inspired commitment to their singular vision, as well as the engineers and producers that helped them achieve it. A delightful, entertaining, and triumphant debut.