This is a must-check slice of Colombian psychedelic cumbia on El Palmas Music – La Jungla’s EP for the ever-evolving Barcelona-based label continues to make it one to always watch and hear, as well as establishing the artists’ global reputation. Label head El Palmas should be very proud.
Highlight for the DJs is Mi Burrata and is a bold psych-punk infused track with Afro-Caribbean rhythms – paying homage to the burrata (the little donkey). Honchos at the label explain that the burrata is “…that faithful companion who accompanies you day and night. It’s the loyal sidekick that takes you everywhere, even in the most deplorable states (both you and the donkey!). No matter the circumstance, it doesn’t leave your side until its last breath. A toast to our faithful late friend: salud mi burrata!”
First track on De Borondo is Cuando Llegue La Ley and is tropical punk charged with attitude in the face of the armed forces’ unwanted presence in Colombia.
Somos los Hijos del Sol is a cumbia-boogaloo cut that covers spiritual themes lyrically.
The closing track is Salto Palante and captures “the spirit of leaping forward without looking back. Or, as they say, ‘going forward like an elephant’; when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” those at the label muse.
There are few groups as enigmatic as La Jungla, purveyors of 2020’s hit track Cumbia del Desierto.
The label has previously released Acid Coco, a Colombian duo based in Switzerland and with similarly psychedelic undertones.
And another Swiss-based Colombian artist – El Dragón Criollo – has also been making waves with his modern fusion of Caribbean cadences and dancefloor FX and beats.
As well as producing musical bombs, El Dragón has also played a huge part in compiling a killer selection of Tabaco Quintana – one of the great masters of Venezuelan salsa – for the label.
Keep ’em coming.
For more, check out El Palmas Music. Also, the El Palmas story is at:
WORLD TREASURES MUSIC 