‘SUMO Y Los Hermanos Del Alma’ combines delicacy and weight in an addictive and unique form for the aptly titled “Todo Se Mezcla,” beautifully merging the clarity and melodic embrace of Rumba with a swiftly stimulating summertime feel and a strong dance beat.
Sumo has explored a wide range of genres since its inception in the late 1990s, including electro, soul, funk, hip-hop, and dub. Faithful to their initial state of mind, the ensemble of brothers Alex (guitar, vocal) and Fred Sumi (bass, production) does not confine itself to a single style, instead embarking on an endless creative voyage.
The adventure continues with its sixth opus, “Oya,” exploring new boundaries, rhythms, and sounds. The band went into exile in Cuba, where two tours (Habanarte in 2016 and Cubadisco in 2017) resulted in memorable and deep friendships. Sumo met his Cuban soul brothers on this new voyage, which led to the formation of “Sumo y Los Hermanos del Alma.”
The music works hard but uses simplicity, starting with a simple Rumba set-up, smooth melodic starts, a range of voices and tunes, an ever-immersive rhythm, and a stunningly constructed, colorful soundscape. These characteristics work well together to entice listeners and keep their attention all over.
“Todo Se Mezcla” successfully re-ignites the color and vitality of summer. On the surface, the music is a conventional Rock kissed Rumba tune. Still, it is presented by a leading emotional vocal, a remarkable and captivating backdrop, and a string of songwriting that remains correctly focused on its own purposes throughout.
This is terrific songwriting, clearly ageless, with a crisp, clean production approach that allows this current mix of genres and the writing’s warm sentiments to resonate across the board.
Beautifully captured visuals, an absolute pick so far this year — the composition is absolutely passionate and ecstatic in its outburst of longing for the one. “Todo Se Mezcla” is a long-lasting song. This year, it’s well worth a few streams.
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