CD Review: Bang Data's 'La Sopa'

Bang Data
La Sopa
Rockolito Music

San Francisco-based, Bang Data, brings us a writhing mix of heady electronic cumbia, beatbox, ska, samba, bossa nova, and dance music. Their new album, La Sopa, which means 'The Soup,' connotes the worldly influences in the music. Of course, Latin, rock, hip hop influences are also present. However, the Latin cumbia music is most prominent throughout the album. There are many instruments that produce the wondrous sound, including bass, guitar, zampona, charango, congas, timbales, cajon, turntables, synths, and vocals. Even Peru's Eva Ayllon lends her vocals on "Toro Mata." Over one dozen musicians play in Bang Data. A slurry of alternative, Latin rhythms and influences mark the unique sound of Bang Data. At any rate, the fourteen tracks are rhythmic, pulsating, and sizzling. Great for fans of Latin, cumbia, and urban dance tunes from the San Francisco-bay area. ~ Matthew Forss