WHO ARE THEY? A quintet of Peruvian brothers who grew up in the isolated Amazonian city of Iniquitos and have been making music together for more than half a century.
WHAT IS THIS? Their umpteenth full-length album of psychedelic Cumbia — but also their first new release since they quit touring and recording in the mid-’80s due to changing musical tastes.
WHAT DOES IT SOUND LIKE? Not quite as trippy and hallucinogenic as its title would suggest. Although these 10 cuts sport enough lilting guitar lines, sonic experimentation, vocal hijinks, percolating percussion and swirly effects to give you a bit of a contact high, these 10 cuts remain firmly grounded in the folkloric grooves and melodies of traditional Cumbia.
WHAT SHOULD IT BE TITLED? Una Microdosis De Acido.
HOW SHOULD I LISTEN TO IT? While enjoying your favourite mind-altering substance.
WHAT 10 WORDS SUM IT UP? Freewheeling, easygoing, hypnotic, enjoyable, eccentric, vibrant, infectious, melodic, enthusiastic, nostalgic.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SONGS? Mi Caprichito, No Me Vuelvo A Enamorar and Los Wembler’s Para el Mundo kick up their heels a little more than some of the other tracks.
WHAT WILL MY FRIENDS SAY? ‘I always assumed ayahuasca would be a far more intense experience.’
HOW OFTEN WILL I LISTEN TO IT? It might not be the soundtrack to your next trip, but it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.
IF THIS ALBUM WERE HOT SAUCE, HOW SPICY WOULD IT BE? Medium.
SHOULD I BUY, STREAM OR STEAL IT? The first hit should be free.
