Juan y La Hormiga – València

Juan y La Hormiga’s debut full-length album, València, feels like a soft exhale — tender, introspective, and full of the small, intimate moments that make a place feel like “home.” Formed by María “Muchas Hormigas” (voice, melodica) and Juan Pablo Mazzola (voice, guitar), the duo channels their Argentinian roots and their life together in Valencia into a warm alt-country tapestry.

Musically, València is firmly in the alt-country tradition. The duo draws clear inspiration from 1990s Americana — bands like The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, and Soul Asylum are evoked in the gentle guitar picking, the laid-back melodies, and an overall sense of wistful longing. What makes the sound special, though, is how they meld it with domestic intimacy: the production is clean but never sterile, with rich arrangements and tasteful string work (courtesy of Nick Schinder) that elevate the songs without overwhelming their quiet power.

If the sound is a cozy morning on a Valencian balcony, the lyrics are the conversation over coffee. Much of the album feels autobiographical: reflections on their life as a couple, the joys and tensions of everyday living, and a deep affection for the city they now call home. In a way, València is a love letter — to each other, and to a place that has shaped them.

The lead single, “After the War”, is a standout: it pairs poignant imagery (the two of them sitting on a bench in Foios) with a melody that swells just enough to carry emotional weight, but remains intimate.

Recorded and mixed in Valencia (Benimaclet, to be precise) by Paul Candau, the production feels lovingly crafted. The rhythm section is subtle but grounded (Antonio José Iglesias on drums), and the string arrangements add emotional depth without veering into melodrama. Vocally, both María and Juan Pablo shine: her voice is airy yet grounded, his is warm and earnest, and together they strike a balance that feels conversational, not performative.

València is not a record that demands to be loud. Rather, it invites you in, asks you to sit quietly, and share a piece of the artists’ life. It’s a mature, thoughtful debut — one that showcases Juan y La Hormiga’s ability to write songs that are deeply personal and yet resonate with a wider sense of place and belonging. For fans of alt-country, intimate duos, or music that feels like a conversation over coffee, València is a refreshing and heartfelt journey.

Purchase your copy here: Exile