Hurray For The Riff Raff

The Navigator

Bandleader Alynda Segarra looks homeward.

The Navigator’s title character is a restless young Puerto Rican woman from the city – “ready for the world”, but guarded. She charts her course through destruction, indifference and the city’s sounds: doo wop (Entrance), Lou Reedy R&R (Living In The City), even indie rock (Hungry Ghost). It’s not until she stares clear-eyed at those closest to her that the way is clear: she’s to honour her Latin and Caribbean roots in story and sound. The title track becomes the album’s fulcrum, the Navigator asking, “Where will all my people go?” From there, the battle is on, against wall-building politicians and gentrifying developers, among others. On the climactic Pa’lante (Forward), she calls the rolls of those beaten down and those still soldiering on. “To all who came before we say, ‘¡Pa’lante!’” Now, she is ready for the world. Chris Nelson