Luis Mojica – How a Stranger is Made Review: Heart Like a Waterfall

There are few instruments that can top the elegant aesthetic of the piano. An instrument that demands a certain degree of mastery to truly make beautiful music with, to the skilled artist it is like a musical paintbrush. Luis Mojica uses his skills with the regal keys to create a very personal tone with How A Stranger is Made. His second studio release is all about the stories he tells with his powerful vocals, backed up with his signature piano play and fun surprises along the way.

How a Stranger is Made begins with a punch on the track “Insane.” The track sets a tone for the album at large, robust piano offerings with a healthy dash of alternative-inspired drum percussion along the way. The cinematic vocal performance of Luis Mojica will never fail to place the finishing touches on the stories he tells. Lines such as “my stories make the girls cry, the boys avoid my green eyes” speak to the wit of Mojica, who never ceases to add his own personal touch to each track. From bouncy and rambunctious piano grooves to slow and traditional offerings, the artistry on display is on each track.

“Moon Men” is another stand-out track on the album that reflects the musicianship of Luis Mojica. His more animated performance takes a back seat here, offering a raw vocal performance backed by an emotionally-charged piano keys. The track is a decidedly different tone in the album and stands alone as its most personal entry. It is definitely worth your time to know the reason he is called the man from the moon.

In the end How a Stranger is Made is an emotional and personal album. The vocal performances are cinematic and the struggles of identity, spiritual guidance and love are illustrated well while oozing personality. The experimental instrumental arrangements work well when backed by the solid piano work of Luis Mojica, whose musicianship is undeniable when behind the keys of a piano. Each track is oozing with personality and tells stories of his experiences, which adds a great charm to each track. Anyone who is looking for something lively and different should definitely check out How a Stranger is Made.