By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone
Cumbia Front – Jaley Jaley
Some music journalists will agree with us when we compare Frente Cumbiero to those special vintage wines, to which only a privileged few have access and can truly savor. That is to say, obviously, anyone can listen to the delightful recordings released by this Colombian group, led by Mario Galeano, anywhere in the world through digital platforms. But let's be clear, it's far from being a mainstream act, and, without a doubt, their music isn't mentioned on any commercial radio station or by entertainment show hosts. Rather, those who know and enjoy them learn about them through specialized media and renowned international commentators. And yet, watching their latest video, all this intellectual fanfare seems to get out of hand, because The cumbia that this project proposes could perfectly, without sounding out of place, be played and celebrated by the masses and not just by the boastful, snobbish listeners we already know. This is the kind of mellow, 1950s ballroom music brought into the modern age through electronic music. And the accompanying video, an exquisite piece of animation, completely dispels any unnecessary layers of sophistication.
Ekeko Nation + Julieta Venegas – Paradise
In honor of International Earth Day, a heartfelt tribute with contrasting images ranging from landscapes of eternal beauty around Latin America to the destruction of similar spaces where the unholy hand of man has erased all traces of preciousness. The message of the tunes is simple, clear, and direct., Julieta Venegas herself whispers it in your ear: «"You can be in paradise and not realize it in time.". Perhaps, at the end of the day, we may be moved by the warning, but even if it's erased from our memory, the catastrophe won't be stopped. What is said here can no longer be ignored.
Swamp Chameleon + Dani Jatib – Chocolate
It's a seemingly simple idea: a camera that never changes position, a nearly neutral background that remains unchanged, and the combination of two characters, a man and a woman, performing a choreography that aims to present them as a hybrid being with a dual personality, their subtle and sensitive movements marking the rhythm of the recording in their own way. The secret to this clip's success is that nothing can be improvised., Every second spent in front of the screen has been silvered, discipline has been the constant and that's why the result is so delightful. It's a well-crafted piece, full of good humor, that also promotes a great pop song that's instantly appealing. A great piece of work.
Alan Sutton and the little creatures of anxiety – End of the world
Another example of understated execution that achieves its goal by clearly demonstrating from the outset the planning of what will be done with the lens and with each element chosen during filming. Furthermore, the location selected for the song's performance is well-chosen, evoking a powerful emotional impact without resorting to a simplistic or saccharine expression. It's not a spectacular video by any means, but it never pretends to be. It is an audiovisual product that seeks (and succeeds) in moving the audience, because it feels honest., uncomplicated and relatable to any of us.
Son of a thief – Sentinel
We finish today's reviews with a complex task, a work that seeks to express the breadth of mestizaje as a concept in its fullest dimension. Musically, the song incorporates clear elements of Andean folklore from its very beginning, adopting a haughty attitude that blends seamlessly with the rock-infused energy that takes over the production a few seconds later. Visually, the staging is meticulously crafted, with costume design and choreography sensitively captured by brilliant camerawork, ensuring the viewer is fully immersed in the film and feels the tension that permeates the entire production. In short, a remarkable effort with a stimulating conclusion.
