The Division Men - Niños del Sol

The Division Men is a Texan duo formed in Berlin in 2008. The group consists of J. Spencer Portillo (guitar and vocals) and his wife Caroline Rippy Portillo (bass and vocals). Their name is derived from the idea of artists collaborating around the world despite their location. It was in 2018 that Spencer and Caroline released their second album Niños del Sol with excellent musicians, all in their own studio in Austin, Texas.

The lyrics of their songs are interesting because they talk about life, death, love in a city near the Mexican border. All, smooth and silk. Ol 'Dirt Road, its keyboards, its acoustic guitars, its hypnotic bass is the perfect example of the music of the two Americans. Their voices complement each other perfectly because they are quite different from each other. The Texan journey continues with pleasure, Heaven Knows Why is a pure delight. Simple chords, certainly, surrounded by mesmerizing voices. A splendid moment in time.

Heaven Knows Why by The Division Men

In Divide is a long title that enjoys soft electric guitars (Jake Garcia). We are weightless. The voices come out of the wadding, deep voice for Spencer, soft and airy voice for Caroline. All wrapped up in a lot of reverb. Lovers of desert atmosphere, sand flying, campfire at night, Cut Away Your Mistakes is for you. Mysterious atmosphere for seven minutes of intense happiness. Spencer is immersed in his song, he and his acoustic guitar being one. Magnificent. I am so captivated by so much beauty. Angus & Julia Stone would appreciate.

Cut Away Your Mistakes by The Division Men

Change of style for the jazzy Fall, on which Jay Reynolds brings a very sensual sax. The sharing of voices is once again magnificent. Just like Raiye Rippy's piano. Then we leave in the desert between Texas and Mexico with Lost Highway on which electric and ghostly guitars lead the dance. All on an atmosphere that would have loved the genius Leonard Cohen. Marionette is slower, more disenchanted but nevertheless magnified by Caroline's voice.

Lost Highway by The Division Men

And what about the title Niños del Sol? On a Mexican air, all on classical guitars. And sung in spanish. A radiant atmosphere, on arrangements dazzlingly. Up And Down is more refined, but still intense. We're at Johnny Cash, Mark Lanegan and Leonard Cohen. By cons the last title, Always reminds me by its reverbs and choirs to Marissa Nadler. A strange atmosphere that closes a sumptuous album, made of Americana, a melancholy folk but never sad.

The Division Men are on tour now and still have some dates in France. Go see them and talk to them. They are adorable and very funny. And of course full of talent.

Ninos del Sol by The Division Men