Published:
June 16, 2017
The Meridian Brothers release a new album, their seventh. With thematic gusto it finds its home from home (Bogota) on the heavyweight label and purveyors of all that is tropical, old and new, Soundway Records.
Meridian Brothers are a Colombian, psychedelic troupe who continually confound with their madcap sound always drawn from a popular pop music strand - most famously their reconfiguration of Latin music, mastering alternative ways of playing instruments and using electronic sounds often rendering cheeks tongue filled.
Led by composer Eblis Alvarez, 'Donde Estás Maria?' leads on a brand new path, where a cello ensemble and strings add a completely new twist to the group's sound. Brazilian MPB and tropicalia become part of the landscape, choir arrangements and 'grotesque singing' become chief elements in songs inspired by traditional Latin rock, Colombian, Argentinian and Mexican tropes.
Lead track 'Dónde Estás María?' is a proclamation of love for a spiritual guardian - and a taste of the dreamy psych-folk journey on which the album embarks. Mellow vocals and delicate cello riffs put a light spring in the step, while fuzzy bass and the gentle thump of the percussion and bells drive the song at a somewhat excitable pace.