By José Gandue @Gandour
Write a review of Bongo drum, new EP from the Chilean band III Daggers This Wednesday of Holy Week serves as an excuse for us to digress for a while about our work as an independent media outlet dedicated to Latin American music. We take advantage of these so-called "days of reflection" to think (and then talk) about where we are headed., at a time when experts warn us, almost with a sense of period pride (which horrifies us), that people no longer read And that what we do is outdated. They practically shout at us that it's pointless to comment in a few words on what we hear, trying to influence the taste of those who are listening to us, expecting them to listen, in this case, each of the 6 songs that make up this production.
The truth is that, fortunately, it's a good time, at least creatively, for independent music in Latin America. It is a moment in which experimentation, sound fusion, and the need to particularize and differentiate the work of each artist stand out., Knowing that this is the most likely path to achieving recognition from a specialized audience. Amidst the bombastic overdose of repetitions imposed on us by the current music industry establishment, There is always the possibility of finding someone who, in their own way and with the resources of their self-management, It demonstrates that there are more paths to explore than those we are shown. Our work—and we don't mean to come across as elitist know-it-alls protecting endangered sonic species—is to showcase, if quality is present, the significant number of projects that release recordings daily in our continent that are worthy of being heard and recognized, and which deserve a wider audience. Therefore, we are pleased to be able to write about this EP, recently released on digital platforms., A fun, varied and brave production, made to be celebrated from the first second of its playback.
In Bongo drum, a collection of tunes that barely exceeds seventeen minutes in length, III Puñales activates its particular blender in which he mixes hip hop, punk, jazz and funk, among other herbs (if we don't get distracted, strings of Indian origin will appear, imprinting their special psychedelia), creating routes of particular flavor, some with their spirits high, others treading on the sadness of the ground. Bongo drum It is a varied, curious journey, even, if you will, in some corners it can be described as strange. It's a roller coaster where the band's own stamp is felt, more than in the expression and speed of each recording, in the fine details that stand out in its construction. There is time for experimentation in the mix, variable reverb on the vocals, the presence of wind instruments in distant planes, the kick drum and snare drum up front, taking control of the celebration, and the bass (Oh! The bass) showing us again the path of movement, of the possible intimate dance that its presence provokes in the body of the one who hears it.
This is eclectic material, with songs that can ignite the dance floor (examples of which are The Court of Sun Ra y If they know (And how do they know)), others that want to incite gang rage (It is what it is), and others, moments of nocturnal reflection (3am y The President's Heart). It is a good compilation of sonic sensations made with risk and intelligence, made to be listened to without prejudice. Bongo drum This is a clear sign of the vibrant music scene around us, and we want to keep talking about it here. We want to continue bringing you these kinds of surprises, even if it means breaking the usual boring routine.