Rosa Bordallo, formerly known as Manett, returns with Isidro, her second solo album, set for release via Bad Auntie Records in January 2025. Bordallo, a Chamorro artist from Guam now based in New York City, brings an expansive and deeply personal lens to her songwriting, shaped by her experiences as a single parent, working in the service industry to pay for recording, and being a survivor of both personal and collective struggles.
Written in the aftermath of the pandemic, Isidro draws on themes of resilience and heritage, finding its roots in Bordallo’s reflections on home. Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, faces existential threats from climate change and intensified militarization. Bordallo’s songs channel the weight of this reality through sweeping, cinematic arrangements and a raw emotional core.
The album’s first single, I Feel Numb, captures her ability to transform personal grief into a cathartic, orchestral composition. Blending shimmering synths, pleasantly-screechy guitar lines, and Bordallo’s subtle yet expressive vocals—the track ties a neat bow around the album’s complex and layered sound.
To bring Isidro to life, Bordallo collaborated with Ben Etter, known for his work with Deerhunter and Hazel English, recording over eight days at MAZE Studios in Atlanta. The lush production, supported by contributions from drummer Sean Zearfoss, frames Bordallo’s compositions in a rich glow.
Isidro is a mix of indie-pop and psychedelic rock, reminiscent of sophisticated acts like St. Vincent, Cate Le Bon, and Y La Bamba. Make no mistake, this album is truly one of a kind. Shaped by Bordallo’s journey from Guam to New York, it’s a heartfelt reflection on a life lived, love lost, and the uncertain future in a chaotic world.
