The Navigator (reissue) vinyl

Hurray for the Riff Raff's The Navigator reissue showcases Alynda Segarra's boldest work yet. The album is a concept-driven journey following Navita, a young Puerto Rican girl navigating a dystopian cityscape, as she searches for identity and connection to her roots. Segarra, who spent years traveling across America before landing in the music scene, brings her personal history into the heart of this record, blending political and personal storytelling. Musically, The Navigator breaks new ground, incorporating Latin rhythms, rock, folk and even doo-wop. The sound is lush, from the strings and percussion on 'Nothing's Gonna Change That Girl' to the powerful 'Pa'lante', featuring a spoken-word sample from Nuyorican poet Pedro Pietri. The political undertones are fierce, especially on tracks like 'Rican Beach'. which critiques gentrification and systemic oppression with biting lyrics. Produced by Paul Butler, known for his work with Michael Kiwanuka, the album's arrangements are cinematic and expansive. Segarra's voice shines across the record, especially in autobiographical moments like 'Fourteen Floors' and 'Living in the City', where her heritage takes center stage. The Navigator is more than just a rock album-it's a reclamation of identity, a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, and a powerful statement on the survival of marginalised voices.