¡Ya Tú Sabes! You Already Know
Pinch, 2025
8/10
Listen to ¡Ya Tú Sabes! You Already Know
This 7th album from the New York City powerhouse outfit Zemog El Gallo Bueno brings their experimental Latin ways to 12 worldly tracks.
“Cambiando Sol” opens the listen with Abraham Gomez-Delgado’s flowing voice and guitar amid Al Acosta’s lively flute and plenty of rhythm, and “Ahora” follows with Chembo Corniel’s animated congas that suit JuanMa Morales’ lively singing.
In the middle, “Liave” allows for Jose Rodriguez’s skilled bass to shine in the reserved yet adventurous climate, while “Trampoline” benefits from warm guitar and cozy percussion via the soft and elegant album highlight.
Inching to the end, the fuller mood of “El Sol” uses the winds, drums and quick singing in a frisky delivery, and “Regalito” exits with meticulous layers and no lack of melody that invites singing-along to the festivities.
The songs are sung in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and surround immigration, indigenous ancestry and personal transformation. The sounds are across the board, where a ‘composing backwards’ approach makes for raw, improvised and really exciting songwriting.
Travels well with: The Doodle Cats- Reinventing The Wheel; Love Unfold The Sun- Explode Yourself