Desesperanza

In Bogotá’s alternative music scene Meridian Brothers are quite rightly hailed as one of Colombia’s most interesting and enjoyable musical projects. Desesperanza is the first UK release for the group (and fourth release overall) and is the perfect choice as an introduction to the band. The band takes Colombia’s music (cumbia, salsa and others) and augments its live guitars and drums with electronics and an assortment of effects, all supporting vocals that always feel slightly out of place, sounding a little as if Vincent Price is narrating. Opening track ‘Salsa Caliente’ has rattling percussion, a sub– tropical guitar line and an imprecation to dance hot salsa; it feels in danger of falling apart but somehow keeps a danceable groove throughout. It’ll be quite unlike anything you will have heard before, unless you’ve been living on 23rd century Mars. The fun continues on ‘Salsa del Zombie’ and ‘Guaracha UFO, two tracks that marry salsa rhythms with lyrics about, you guessed it, zombies and extraterrestrial life. On ‘Soy el Pinchadiscos del Amor’ we hear the words of a self-professed ‘DJ of Love’ as he pleads over a twisted and quite brilliant guitar riff. Despite the name, Meridian Brothers is essentially the solo project of Eblis Javier Alvarez Vargas – guitarist in Frente Cumbiero and on the recent Ondatrópica album.

On this album it really feels like the Colombian singer/producer/musician has really perfected his formula of avant-garde tropical music. It’s an unparalleled blend of infectious danceable rhythms married with a sense of adventure and humour that singles Desesperanza out as one of the most enjoyable and out-there albums of the year.