It is hard to describe Devendra Banhart’s latest album “What Will We Be” in one sentence, one paragraph, or even the entire space of this review. Listening to this album is like looking at abstract arts. Depending on my mood and the time of day, I hear this album differently. All the tracks are different from each other, and very unpredictable. You would not know how a song ends until you hear the whole song. 
 
Banhart’s music style in this album is not complicated, and it does not at all sound experimental, yet he manages to introduce something completely new to my ears. The beautifully crafted “Angelika” is the most memorable track due to its various sections and the interesting transitions between them.   
 
What I also like about the album is that he does not rely solely on melodies or instruments to create unique sounds. In the middle of a song he pauses, suddenly changes tempos, or lets his audience listen to his guitar picks and slides, his inhales and exhales. He is certainly not afraid of featuring various genres from Latin jazz fusion, classic rock, folk, to reggae/ska inspired music, and also incorporates old and modern tunes. His diverse approach certainly reflects his childhood in Venezuela and his cultural experiences in Europe.
 
Furthermore, it is not just about what Benhart is singing about, but also how he sings.
While there are enough mellow dreamy songs, the emotions vary, and he is darn good at expressing his feelings in an unparalleled way, especially on “First Song for B” and “Last Song for B”. Additionally, his distinct strange accent makes the songs even more addictive and unforgettable.
 
Even though listeners may be able to identify what influenced and inspired his music, I can almost guarantee that you will not easily find anything like “What Will We Be”. When the style is so unique, there is a high probability that it will not be everyone's cup of tea. Regardless, I am impressed with this album, and I am not yet bored listening to it repeatedly. In today’s society anyone can be or pretend to be weird or odd, but it is hard to be truly artistic and innovative. However, Devendra Banhart does make it look easy.