CD Review: Chancha Via Circuito's 'Amansara'

Chancha Via Circuito
Amansara
Wonderwheel Recordings 

Argentina's Chancha Via Circuito is spearheaded by Pedro Canale. The electronic meastro incorporates indigenous sounds with contemporary arrangements that are scintillating, at times urban, and Latin dub-step all the way. The instrumental, "Sueno en Paraguay," is an excellent tune with Paraguayan harp and an electronic Andean folkore sound with bits of cumbia, dance, and avant-garde that will please even the purist. There are guest artists, including Lido Pimienta, Mirian Garcia, Sara Hebe, and Barrio Lindo, which provide a well-rounded cast of influences. The percussion-heavy, "Coplita," is a great example of folkloric sounds coming together with female vocals and a South American beat. There are eleven total tracks, which are imbued with electronic, percussion, and native sounds in one easy to understand production that does not stray too far from its roots. This will satisfy cumbia, neo-indigenous, and contemporary listeners seeking music from South America. ~ Matthew Forss