Bongo Joe Switzerland Vinyl & CDs

Review: Mi Latinoamerica Sufre embarks on a musical journey that redefines the electric guitar's role within tropical Latin music. The album, crafted by the Meridian Brothers, draws from the melodious, intricate rhythms of African highlife and soukous guitar bands, popular both in coastal Colombian pico sound system dances and across Africa. Eschewing typical prog or psych rock distortions, the sound embraces a clean, pure approach, honoring '70s Congolese rumba, Ghanaian highlife, and Nigerian afrobeat. The compositions on Mi Latinoamerica Sufre intricately blend Latin rhythms like cumbia, champeta and Brazilian tropicalia with underground psychedelic rock. Through the character Junior Maximiliano the Third, the album delves into themes of self-discovery, humorously navigating through nostalgia, paranoia, and shared experiences. Alvarez's vocal versatility enriches the album's sonic storytelling, complemented by visual narratives from Colombian artist Mateo Rivano. This innovative concept album unfolds as a poignant exploration of identity, offering a fresh perspective on Afro-Latino musical traditions and psychological states.