Traditional samba and bossa nova revivalist Gabriel Da Rosa has just released a new single 'Bandida'. This is only his second single, following on from his debut 'Jasmin Parte 1'. Opening 'Bandida' is the cuíca (squeeky sounding Brazilian friction drum), along with various other organic percussive sounds. Gabriel's upbeat guitar chords pave the way for a joyful couple of minutes, along with the the saxophone's content and free melodies. Channeling Joao Gilberto, Gabriel's vocals are natural and unforced. The song came about after Gabriel spent an idle night in, drinking wine and strumming his guitar. He says, “the wine and my guitar brought out some bittersweet thoughts – all day I’m surrounded by amazing people, real friends and acquaintances, but at the end of the day, I’m alone.” Using the contrastingly uplifting energy of the music, Gabriel shows us that difficult moments are a part of life and that a little bit of optimism and joy can sprout something truly beautiful. -Ellie Rose-Davies