Meridian Brothers

Mi Latinoamerica Sufre

Label: Ansonia Records / Les Disques Bongo Joe

Genre: Freestyle / Nu Jazz / Funk / Afro

Availability

CD Digi / Cardboard €15.99

In Stock

Other Formats

LP €26.99

"Mi Latinoamérica Sufre" is a concept album whose sonic footprint was born from the desire to explore the untapped potential of the electric guitar in a tropical Latin context. The record draws inspiration from the chiming, clear-toned and intricately rhythmic traditions of African highlife and soukous guitar band music, sounds that are as popular at coastal Colombian picó sound system dances as they are on their home turf in Africa.

On this album, the Meridian Brothers sound eschews distortion and typical prog or psych rock clichés, opting for a pure, clean approach. "Mi Latinoamérica Sufre" pays homage to the golden era of ’70s Congolese rumba, Ghanian highlife and Nigerian afrobeat, blending these influences with an array of fresh sonic contexts anchored by various Latin rhythms, all played by Álvarez. The result is a collection of intricate compositions weaving elements of cumbia, champeta, soukous, Brazilian tropicalia, and underground psychedelic rock all contained within the Afro-Latino guitar band format.

"Mi Latinoamérica Sufre" delves into the ego trip, presenting a humorous yet introspective journey of self-discovery and identity. The central character, Junior Maximiliano the Third, navigates through the complexities of self-discovery using psychedelic substances, political philosophy, and folklore. As he grapples with nostalgia, paranoia, and shared suffering, Álvarez showcases his vocal prowess, creating a sonic theater of the mind. Accompanied by visual narratives from Colombian artist Mateo Rivano, the album portrays various psychological states of disorientation, self-pity, enlightenment, and optimism. "Mi Latinoamérica Sufre" emerges as a worthy and innovative addition to the concept album tradition, offering a distinctive blend of bitter-sweet flavors inspired by Latinoamérica.