ZZK US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: On his second album titled Siku, Ecuadorian producer Nicola Cruz continues his exploration into ancestral Latin American cosmology, as well as expanding his vision towards new stories and other cultures as sources of inspiration. The title is named after a wind instrument of Andean origin, highly symbolic in ancestral rituals. Cruz merges electronic and organic elements with symbolic/spiritual connotations, plus studies of the samba, cumbia and rhythms of African, Andean and Hindu origin. Hypnotic electronica merges with the folkloric on the title track and "Senor De Las Piedras", traditional music is respectfully explored on charming vocal-led tracks like "Hacia Delante" (with Chato) and he goes deep into the jungle on exotic journeys like "Obsidiana".

Review: ZZK Records describe Montoya's new full length El Nido as "a welcoming embrace in uncertain times" and they are not wrong. It's a record that was born out of the pandemic and his desire to get back to normality. Italy-based Colombian producer Montoya reckons we were all "virgins of destiny again' in those times and he channels that into a musical quite place here. It goes from the lo-fi and dubbed out reggaeton of the wonderful 'Nubecita' featuring Pedrina to the more sunny and tropical rhythms of 'Flor del Mar' featuring Pahua via many other highlights, making this a perfect summer record no matter your mood.