Northside KUISi
Lulaworld, 2021
8/10
Beny Esguerra and New Tradition Music sure are diverse, as they bring beatboxing, spoken word, Afro-indigenous Columbian sounds and many more ideas to 14 tracks, where each song carves out a very unique spot to reside.
“Al Norte” starts the listen with contributions from Silla as a playful beat, cultured horns and plenty of rhythm enter the hip-hop flavored climate, and it isn’t long until the title track brings frisky percussion and a dreamy kuisi bunsi (Indigenous-Colombian flute) meshing together with a charming delivery.
Further down the line, “Flooded In Flames” is a quick display of firm drumming and turntable manipulation amid the kuisi bunsi, while “Let The Rain Fall” bursts with help from Artson and Jotaika Bops, as soulful trombones help cultivate a very lively landscape. “We Won’t Let It Happen”, one of the album’s best, then offers a party anthem with call and response vocals, swift percussion, and bright brass that you won’t soon forget.
“Take Care” arrives near the end and showcases swift hand drumming, melodic flute like sounds and turntable work in a very furious execution, and “Newsflash: Hidden Frequencies” exits the listen with soundbites from a radio that are met with the band’s very cultured and stylish formula.
A concept album that’s narrated by news reporters who reside in the distant future and speak a creole language made up of Lengua-Palenkera, Anishinaabemowin, Spanish and English, the long list of guests including Leang Manjarres Wong, DJ Grouch, DJ Classic Roots, Tracey Kayy, plus many more, help make for an extremely enlightening and exciting listen that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.
Travels well with: Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble- Helsinki-Cotonou Ensemble; Los Mocosos- All Grown Up