SHOW REVIEW: BOMBA ESTEREO + PSYCHOTROPICAL // CABARET DU MILE-END 11/05/11
I’ve always had an aversion to world music. I always dismissed it as the genre failed musicians resorted to so they could at least get a gig at the Jazz Festival (on the free stages, no less). It also always reminded me of Tim Robbins in High Fidelity, and not in a good way.
Well, lucky for me, I’m kind of over it. Buena Vista Social Club are a delight, and Emir Kusturica’s No Smoking Orchestra are a heck of a lot of fun. Plus, I get to expand my repertoire and enjoy the electronic cumbia-inspired sounds of Colombian band Bomba Estéreo.
Opening act Psychotropical Orchestra set the tone for the night. They fit the bill perfectly, warming up the crowd with an engaging set of Latin-inspired psychedelic tunes. Don’t expect to see the seven-piece local band playing anytime soon, though – I ran into a member after the show, and she revealed that the band broke up a few years ago, but had gotten together specifically to open for Bomba. You gotta admire that kind of solidarity and support. Thankfully, their myspace is still active.
By the time Bomba took the stage, the show had sold out. They kicked off their set with a hypnotizing Pink Floyd cover, and delivered their set with a surprising amount of energy. The crowd was a hot, sweaty mess, with everyone dancing feverishly to their infectious, trancey electro beats. Singer Liliana performed with gusto, as did the guitarist and drummer, who tore up their respective instruments. “Fuego” had us all jumping, and “Ponta Bomb” (their Spanish cover of “Pump Up The Jam;” I highly recommend you watch the video) was a pleasant surprise. The band’s colourful approach to music is truly refreshing.
If it looks like the Cabaret Mile End was on fire, it’s because it felt like it. I ran into a Bogotan friend who said the heat felt perfect: “It’s just like Colombian temperature.” As we head fast into the summer, with the beautiful week we just had in mind, I can’t think of any better music to make it through the upcoming heat waves.
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Visit Bomba Estereo’s website HERE
Visi Psychotropical Orchestra’s website HERE
By Nairi K
