Ão

“Condemn me”

It’s the first sentiment on Belgian band Ão’s hypnotic, stunning album Malandra. Thumping electronic beats are bolstered by bellowing drums, labyrinthine guitar patterns entwining, and orchestral stings adding bloody drama. Singer Brenda Corijn brings alluring darkness from her Portuguese roots, the smoldering sadness of Fado, and the hope at the center of saudade, a moving, energetic melancholy. It’s entrancing witchcraft at every turn. We interviewed them below.