Combo Chimbita has a new record titled, Ahomale, it’s out now on Anti- and its magic. The album sits somewhere between Colombia’s Magical Realist Mystique and At the Drive-In. They call it Tropical Futurism. The record begins with the haunting vocal flow of lead vocalist Carolina Oliveros, and it is delicately interwoven with atmospheric synth lines by bassist, Prince of Queens. It then melts into the title track Ahomale and the journey begins. The rest of the record exudes lush tropical landscapes brought to life by guitarist Niño Lento’s melodic call-and-response phrasing all of it driven by the polyrhythmic drumming of Dilemastronauta. Ahomale is a Yoruba word that means a person or being that can communicate with ancestors. This record is an homage to Afro Colombian Folklore married with elements of Dub, Reggaeton, Punk and Electro. With that being said the album itself is Ahomale, and the band is the medium through which it communicates with us. These musicians also happen to be Caribbean Colombian folkloric specialists, some of which perform with NYC-based Bullerengue ensemble, Bulla en el Barrio. With a background rooted in some of the heaviest song and drum music of the Americas, Combo Chimbita is reinterpreting elements from the Afro Latinx diaspora and elevating it into the future. You can catch them in Los Angeles at the Echoplex on Wednesday May 15th and in Santa Ana at the Constellation Room on Thursday May 16th. Listen to the single, Brilla Más Que El Oro (La Bala Apuntandome).
FM NIGHTS Saturation Fest Edition happens Friday May 24th at the Life Arts Center in downtown Riverside
We are excited to be collaborating with Inland Mujeres, whose mission is to create a safe and open space for women by women based in the Inland Empire. They seek to inspire, connect and empower womxn through art workshops, local events and community activism. They’ve only been a collective for about a year but their progress is inspiring and empowering to peoples of all identities. Save the date because the line up is dropping soon!
Currently based in Los Angeles, Claude Fontaine has released a record that blends Jamaican Rocksteady with the sounds of Brazilian Tropicalia. The album is out now courtesy of Innovative Leisure. Several songs feature Jamaican guitarist Tony Chin (Soul Syndicate, Dennis Brown, King Tubby) which lends it not only credibility but the right feel for an often spoiled rocksteady groove. The single “Hot Tears” vibes somewhere between Kingston Jamaica and an infamous Dub Club session, complete with melodica melodies. Dance over to the track “I’ll Play the Fool” and the homage to Brazilian Bossa is evident by way of the unmistakable “cuica” and guitar rhythm. Her voice delicately laments throughout the record, which features several roots-reggae musicians, and blends together for a perfect fusion that bridges the revolutionary sounds of 70’s Jamaica with Brazil of the same era. Check out the video for “Cry for Another.”
