Meridian Brothers
Latin rock that makes you want to dance
Contrary to what the name suggests, there is nothing Anglo-Saxon about this band from Colombia, founded twenty-five years ago by singer and guitarist Eblis Javier Álvarez. With 'alternative' instrument handling and electronic post-processing, the now five-member band (with no brothers in the ranks) from capital Bogotá puts a disruptive spin on Latin rock. Deep thumping drums and ringing percussion set the tone and lavishly sprinkled on top with distorted guitar sounds, howling retro organs, bleeps, crackles and exuberant cries. All kinds of South American styles and rhythms pass by, but never unadulterated and always with obvious pleasure thrown in for good measure. Whether cumbia or salsa, everything is skilfully deconstructed and inimitably reassembled into music that takes you from one surprise to the next. It is musical madness that would not have been out of place for the late Frank Zappa, but which, like no other, encourages you to dance until your legs give out.
