This week marks the release of Old Enough to Save Myself, the second album by Rumia, a Spanish-Portuguese artist based in Berlin, known for merging disparate styles such as singer-songwriter intimacy, bedroom pop, and primal trip-hop.
The album evokes the melancholic tones of past artists like Lamb and Hooverphonic, particularly in emotionally personal tracks like “KEPT All The Pain.” The song that gives the album its name reflects on “generational trauma,” portraying the emotional burden of being the one to hold together a family that once held her. Another highlight, “Role Model,” signals a farewell to imposed societal roles and expectations.
Old Enough to Save Myself is a fluid combination of organic instrumentation—especially pianos—and electronic textures. Rumia draws inspiration from singer-songwriter figures like Lana Del Rey and Hope Sandoval, while also embracing Berlin’s electronic landscape reminiscent of Radiohead’s more experimental work.
Despite her international approach, Rumia does not turn away from her roots. The album, mostly sung in English, also includes multilingual tracks. In Portuguese, “dear” offers a unique take, veering away from traditional fado and leaning into a Drum & Bass sound.
The Spanish-language “The Girl from Nowhere” stands out as a strikingly intimate folk guitar piece. It explores themes of cultural dislocation and identity—particularly what it means to feel like one belongs nowhere and speaks no language fluently, an experience familiar to many migrants or children of immigrants.
Much of the album aligns with the British alternative pop tradition, drawing comparisons to acts like Wolf Alice and early Kate Nash. Songs like “Emergency,” “I’m onte you,” and the playlist-featured “i’m not fine” exemplify this sound.
The album is produced by Manuel Colmenero (known for work with Vetusta Morla and Shinova) and includes arrangements by Adrián Seijas (who has collaborated with Xoel López and Marilia Monzón).
Following a recent appearance at Marilians in Madrid, Rumia is set to present her album across several locations. Her upcoming performances include stops in Portugal at various Fnac stores, followed by concerts in Germany. In Spain, she is scheduled to perform in Madrid (Maravillas Sala, April 24), Barcelona (Sala Taro, May 15), Zaragoza (Creedence Sala, May 16), Tolosa (Bonberenea, May 17), Vigo (La Peca Lavandería, May 22), and A Coruña (Malavida, May 23).
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