5 Fuegos

MAKU Soundsystem's fifth release 5 Fuegos finds the Brooklyn-based, self-proclaimed "immigrant beat" band with a fresh new stripped down sound of five players: bass, guitar, drums, percussion, and vocals. Appropriately, the emphasis is on the beat, and while the brass section and keyboards are now gone, the principle vocalists Liliana Conde (who plays electronic percussion as well) and bassist Juan Ospina are still leading the charge with their stirringly emotional voices out front. And as on their last Peace & Rhythm release The Mix, the dynamic pair of Liliana and Juan are supported by guitarist Camilo Rodríguez, Andrés Jiménez on drum kit, and master percussionist Moris Cañate on tambor alegre (folkloric Colombian hand drum) with all three sharing backing vocals. 5 Fuegos means "Five Fires" and is named for the five members of the band as well as the five songs on the record. The EP features five smoking psychedelic tunes full of originality, hot rocking Afro-funk and deep Colombian roots, each one energized by a burning inner light. This limited edition record also contains two bonus instrumental versions to inspire MCs and remixers. Yellow/splatter/black vinyl with download card.