Federico Aubele has a problem. His album on a first look appears intriguing.

There’s a handy little map on the inside charting an epic Pan-American voyage across the mainland continent, the kind of life changing quest that’s sure to stimulate creativity every step of the way. He also looks fairly exotic, posing in deserts next to his charming 1950’s car and staring mindfully across the landscape.
           
All this wonderful scene setting does only, in fact set you up for the first major blow. That the young Argentinean’s second album is not as big, bold or adventurous as you might expect. Whilst you may be prepared for some insightful and highly imaginative song writing, all you get is a lingering feeling that this Latin American songwriter is a little on the dry side.
           
The album fuses a variety of styles, Jamaican reggae, bolero and tango, the fusions are so minute that every song seemingly blends into one another - creating a relaxing awe around his music. Each song does have a certain romantic allure about it, a calming nostalgic feeling that you can easily imagine yourself somewhere else entirely.

But the gentle, soothing sounds of Panamericana are not the kinds of rhythms that you are ever likely to remember. You’ll savour them for a moment, maybe even wistfully enjoy them - but as staying power goes, Panamerica is sorely lacking.
           
Despite the cocktail of genres, the album retains a degree of similarity about it. Every track has the uncanny ability to sound exactly like the one before. You could easily be forgiven for thinking that you’ve put opening track La Esquina on repeat by mistake; but alas it is the whole album.
           
By the end of it you get the distinct impression that Aubele is more comfortable in a hotel bar than he is on a stage. The songs never amount to anything that borders on the bold, the thirteen tracks are so unremarkably tame - you’d beg for an encore simply for him to try and do something better.

However in fairness to Aubele, this is, by all accounts ‘lounge’ music and in that mould it does serve a purpose. Panamericana is a charming, low-key affair that may not offer the artistic stimulation of other acts but it does sit happily in its comfort zone.
           
And so Federico Aubele still has a problem. That many may expect remarkable things from him, and listening to his second album may dull your expectations somewhat. Which leads us to the final pitfall, that whilst you really really want to like Federico Aubele, you merely find yourself disappointed that this fresh album isn’t better than the sum of his parts.