Brooklyn quartet
Combo Chimbita evolve both musically and spiritually on third album
IRE, exploring both personal emotional growth and political consciousness as they get deeper into their cosmic blend of psychedelic jazz, heavy rhythms, and sci-fi synths. Sung entirely in Spanish (as with their other releases) the songs here approach self-affirmation and self-acceptance with the same passionate, revolutionary spirit they have when addressing issues of colonialism and racist power structures. Over a thick, pensive groove made up of booming bass and anxious synth tones, "Memoria" finds Carolina Oliveros' double-tracked vocal harmonies issuing a call to arms. Hypnotic and swirling, the lyrics depict fragmented images of broken glass, cries of agony, and transformation. There's a dramatic beat switch mid-way through, adding to the sense of urgency that simmers throughout the track. Tense tangles of delay-shrouded guitar leads and foreboding bass synth ride jumpy space-age polyrhythms on standout track "Babalawo," and chilly synth tones and a propulsive four-on-the-floor beat serve as a backdrop for anti-capitalist sentiments on the dubby "Indiferencia."
Combo Chimbita's records up until this point have all been dense and finely crafted fusions of styles and energies, but
IRE is especially driven. The powerful, sometimes writhing, and often transcendent sonic landscape the band creates here is their most inspired work to date, brimming with purpose and assertiveness that goes beyond mere entertainment and reaches for enlightenment. ~ TiVo Staff