published: 1 /
2 /
2025
Label:
Ansonia Records
Format: LP X3
Unpredictable and defiant latest album by masters of 21. Century cumbia The Meeidian Brothers
Review
Latin America is in the news so often at the moment, either because of a blithering idiot in Argentina or the quasi-communist crooks running Nicaragua and Venezuela, that this puts this new album in perspective. Deconstructive cabaret genius at its best, it is as if all native cumbia music has filled the Meridian Brothers’ Rubik cube, Every turn reveals a new and exciting combination of colourful sounds. At one point the rhythm is that of a tumbling bag of potatoes, the next it could be a mating ritual in disguise. My appalling command of the Spanish language prevents me from noticing any irony in the lyrics but the tone of Eblis Álvarez's vocals on this twelfth album from the Meridian Brothers is such that it looks like there is plenty.
Jiggy tongue-in-cheek marvels with a sad undertone that develop and disintegrate with the same ease and artful flow. Misleading in every sense, the melodies appear to be traditional ones until the little streetcar conductor in Eblis Álvarez follows his instinct for pleasure in confusion. The continuing magic of Meridian Brothers lies in the reverse quality of blending from their disintegrated sounds. Multi-instrumentalist Eblis Álvarez plays his guitar licks with a liking of African sway, but he will then derail things with # artful mischief. Almost every second on 'Mi Latinoamérica Sufre' brings a surprise, like dragging feet lead into unfathomable adventures and irate shuffling starting to build new rhythms. And the trick is not to stumble. Uplifting to the core and prone to gradually infiltrating your earhole.
Track Listing:-
1
I know I'm changing
2
It's my new era
3
Mandala
4
My question
5
In the Caribbean I am sad
6
I want the best for my Huayno
7
My companion
8
Everything is fading away
9
We Latinos suffer
10
My loneliness
11
I am born good and society corrupts me
Band Links:-
https://www.meridianbrothers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/meridianbroth
https://x.com/meridianbrothers
https://www.instagram.com/meridianbrot
https://meridianbrothers.bandcamp.com
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-