Super João

Super João is the third installment in a series of five EPs released by Dirty Projectors in 2020, each showcasing a different member of the band and a distinct sonic direction. This specific entry is a Dave Longstreth solo effort in all but name, focusing on his lifelong appreciation for Brazilian bossa nova and the minimalist arrangements of João Gilberto. Recorded with a stripped-back approach, it stands as a significant departure from the band's typical art-rock complexity. The EP consists of four tracks that utilize nylon-string acoustic guitar and Longstreth's gentle, crooning vocals as the primary elements. Critically, it was praised for its warmth and technical proficiency, proving that the band's 'mathy' sensibilities could be translated into a fluid, organic folk context. It serves as a bridge between the band's experimental roots and a more traditional singer-songwriter tradition.