Despite a Communist regime keeping the nation largely hidden from the West, Cuba has exerted a quietly powerful influence on popular culture.
The country’s music scene is a mixture of African culture, Spanish rhythms and Western musicality, all brewed into a distinctive, unique blend. Sure, ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ may be overplayed but the nation’s powerful musical output is continuing to inspire.
Deciding to record their new album in Havana, Rodrigo Y Gabriela are the latest group to fall under the Cuban spell. ‘Area 52’ was recorded with a select group drawing on the brightest young musicians in the city, placing the Mexican duo squarely at the centre.
Still largely withdrawn from the Trans-Atlantic conversation which fuels rock music, the Havana collective C.U.B.A. bring an innocence and inventiveness to the proceedings which fires Rodrigo Y Gabriela in new directions.
Out on January 23rd, Rodrigo Y Gabriela have given ClashMusic a preview of ‘Area 52’. Stripped from the upcoming album, ‘Juan Loco’ is a frenetic flurry of Flamenco guitars and Cuban horns as the two cultures explore their joint roots.
Listen to ‘Juan Loco’ below…
Juan Loco by rubyworks
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‘Area 52’ is out on January 23rd.
