La Makita Soma

Monkey Island

BY Ian DanzigPublished Sep 1, 1999

This rhythm-based Chicago-area collaboration combines trumpet, vibes and beguiling analogue electronics with traditional rock instrumentation for a hypnotic take on jazzy dub rock. The instrumental compositions groove through beautifully layered textures of rhythm and melody. In addition to recording and performing together, this five piece also live together, which might explain the fluidity of ideas in the strong ensemble writing that appears to be culled from lengthy jam sessions. Comparisons to Thrill Jockey types like Trans Am and Tortoise should be expected due to the incessant groove and instrumental ingenuity involved, but musically La Makita Soma owes more to pop and rock with crafty melodic phrases often taking centre stage.
(Abridged)

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