NYC's Tropical Futurists Combo Chimbita Announce New Album 'Ahomale'
Through folkloric mystique, otherworldly psychedelia and a dash of enigmatic punk, the new album Ahomale (May 3, ANTI-) by Combo Chimbita catapults the sacred knowledge of our forebears into the future.
Two new album tracks are available with today’s announce; Inspired by a Yoruba term, listen to the title track “Ahomale” HERE. “The protagonist of this album whose name is Ahomale possesses the ability to communicate ancestral wisdom through the music,” explained guitarist Niño Lento.
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Also out today and filmed in Puerto Rico, watch the new music video for lead single “Brillo Más Que El Oro (La Bala Apuntándome)” HERE. “For us it has always been important to work with artists in different mediums,” explained bassist Prince of Queens regarding the video’s origins. “Working with [video director] Beatriz Santiago Muñoz in Puerto Rico was something really natural despite not knowing each other previously; there was already a connection between our art. It’s also important to us to search for connections and collaborations with Latin American artists. This video opens the door to the next chapter of our saga, Ahomale, and marks a new beginning in our artistic exploration.”
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Combo Chimbita’s second studio album and Anti- Records debut sees the visionary quartet drawing from ancestral mythologies and musical enlightenment to unearth the awareness of Ahomale, the album’s cosmic muse. Comprised of lead singer Carolina Oliveros’ mesmeric contralto, illuminating storytelling and fierce guacharaca rhythms, Prince of Queens’ hypnotic synth stabs and grooving bass lines, Niño Lento’s imaginative guitar licks, and Dilemastronauta’s powerful drumming, the lure and lore of Combo Chimbita comes into existence.
“Revelation! The truth and light that is always within us and hides behind our fears… that is Ahomale to me,” Oliveros says. “In this album we were able to connect with our being to add a chapter to our saga. We’re excited to be able to work with people who are connected to our vision and to expand Latin American art!”
With the help of producer Daniel Schlett (The War on Drugs, Modest Mouse), the group’s rootsy experimental alchemy and metal strangeness take centerfold. Oliveros howls, yowls and chirps with gut-wrenching emotion. Whether rock - raw and soulful - or bewitching like a shaman in a spiritual ceremony, her voice is always a multifaceted wonder. “Brillo Más Que El Oro (La Bala Apuntándome)” boasts alluring vintage synths that seem to time travel through the lush tropics of yore; then, the mood intensifies when its bridge brilliantly crosses into a spellbinding chant sung in unison: “Y si digo que / Que ahora ya lo se” (“And if I say that I now know”).
COMBO CHIMBITA @ SXSW 2019
3/11 – AV Club Showcase – 9 PM @ Mohawk Austin
3/13 – KUTX SXSW Morning Broadcast Show – 7 AM @ Four Seasons Ballroom
3/13 – Dr. Marten’s Day Party – 2 PM @ Container Bar
3/14 – Levitation Day Party – 2:50 PM @ Hotel Vegas
3/14 – She Shreds Official Showcase – 12:05 AM (Friday Morning) @ Cheer Up Charlie’s
3/15 – Relix Magazine Day Party – 2 PM @ Scoots Inn
3/15 – Hermoso Ruido Official Showcase – 12:00 AM (Saturday Morning) @ Seven Grand
3/16 – SX San Jose Day Party – 6 PM @ Hotel San Jose
AHOMALE TOUR DATES
5/2 – New Haven, CT – State House
5/3 – Winooski, VT – Waking Windows
5/4 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere Hall
5/5 – Washington DC – DC9
5/6 – Raleigh, NC – Pour House
5/7 – Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor
5/8 – Atlanta, GA – 529
5/10 – Houston, TX – Satellite
5/11 – San Antonio, TX – The Rustic
5/12 – Austin, TX – Barracuda
5/14 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
5/15 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
5/16 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation
5/17 – San Francisco, CA – Café Du Nord
5/21 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
5/22 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir
5/23 – Boise, ID – Neurolux
5/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
5/25 – Denver, CO – Hi Dive
5/27 – Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
5/28 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway
5/30 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
5/31 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Café
6/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
7/3 – Easthampton, MA – New City Brewery
7/4 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Ritz
7/5 – Toronto, ON – The Rec Room
7/6 – Detroit, MI – UFO Factory
7/8 – Chicago, IL – The Empty Bottle
7/9 – Madison, WI – U of Wisconsin
7/10 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
7/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Northside Tavern
7/17 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern
7/18 – Buffalo, NY – 9th Ward
7/19 – Kingston, NY – BSP Kingston