Back catalogue: International

Review: Mi Latinoamerica Sufre is a concept album that seeks to explore the electric guitar's potential in tropical Latin music. Inspired by African highlife and soukous, it reflects the vibrant sounds of Colombian pico sound system dances. The Meridian Brothers are led by Alvarez and embrace a clean, distortion-free approach that pays homage to 70s Congolese rumba, Ghanaian highlife, and Nigerian Afrobeat. The album blends cumbia, champeta, tropicalia and psychedelic rock while remaining centred on Afro-Latino rhythms and through the character Junior Maximiliano the Third, the album humorously explores ego, identity and self-discovery with Alvarez's vocals adding extra charm to what is a sonic and psychological journey.

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.