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

CD Review: Che Sudaka's '10'

Che Sudaka
10
Cavernicola Records

The assembly of Argentinian and Colombian musicians based in Barcelona, Spain, continue to brighten up the world music and punk-folk genres with their characteristic party sound and South American-inspired rhythms. The punk-rap style of "C'est plus beau" contains blaring horns, harmonies, and a party-dance rhythm that is extremely infectious. "Inmigrant Soul" is a great tune with luscious harmonies, a bit of electronica, and accordion amidst a catchy melody in a similar way to the South Pacific's Te Vaka. It is one of the best songs on the album, but "Desearia," "Ya nunca me veras caer," "Stress," "Crisis de amor," and "Hombre libre" are close behind. There are a number of styles and influences included here with ska, reggae, jazz, folk, dance, rumba, Latin, and light punk-rap winning out. This is one of the best contemporary recordings to come out of Spain in recent memory. It is titled 10, because it is a 10. Liner notes are included for the song lyrics. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Congo Sanchez' 'Vol. 1'

Congo Sanchez
Vol. 1
ESL Music

The funky, dance, and world music creations of Congo Sanchez is at the forefront of the Washington, DC party scene. The world music leanings of Congo Sanchez tend to reflect a more electronica and funk-driven vibe with equal amounts of Latin, dance, and down-tempo chills to satisfy even the most picky of connoisseurs. Vol. 1 only contains four tracks for a total listening time of only seventeen minutes. At any rate, the groovy music is definitely worthy of a listen or two...or three. Anyone with an interest in down-tempo, chill, dance, Latin, and funky music will love Congo Sanchez' latest morsels of fun. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Amsterdam Klezmer Band's 'Mokum'

Amsterdam Klezmer Band
Mokum
Essay Recordings

The brash, Balkan brass is alive on this live recording of the Amsterdam Klezmer Band in the Netherlands. Sixteen long tracks showcase the group's magnificent playing abilities, danceable tunes, and lively vocals. The brass tunes and jaunty rhythms celebrate the Klezmer musical life with equal doses of gypsy, jazz, and folk melodies. Fans of Boban, Klezmatics, and other balkan music groups will quickly identify with the band's upbeat sense of style and brassy swagger not normally observed in comparable groups. Overall, the Amsterdam Klezmer Band is ideal for fans of klezmer, yiddish, gypsy, instrumental, brass band, and party music with a folksy side. ~ Matthew Forss