We featured M.A.K.U. SoundSystem back in January when they performed at globalFEST 2012. Now they are back with a killer new EP. M.A.K.U. SoundSystem is a Colombian 8-piece ensemble from Queens that got together in 2010 after a few of the members met at a workshop on traditional Colombian instruments. The band quickly began to form their own eclectic sound deeply rooted in Colombian folk music. Energetically mixing cumbia, bullerengue, and a plethora of other Colombian rhythms, along with psychedelic rock, punk, Afrobeat and soul, M.A.K.U. SoundSystem has gained a reputation for their deadly, monster grooves. Approaching their third year in existence, the band has issued their third release, M.N.D (Music Never Dies). This exciting four song EP is a tasty slice of danceable funk from one of NYC’s most promising bands.
Guitarist Camilo Rodriguez founded the group and came up with the name, which is borrowed from the Nukak Maku tribe indigenous to the Southern part of Colombia. This tribe managed to avoid outside human contact until the 1980s. Although peaceful, the Nukak Maku tribe has been persecuted and exiled over the years, forcing them to give up many of their traditions. Maku also means ‘low class person’ in the indigenous languages in the Southern region of Colombia. The plight of the indigenous and working class people pervades the lyrics of M.A.K.U. SoundSystem’s music. Of course, partying and dancing are also important aspects of the music on M.N.D (Music Never Dies). With an arsenal of instruments at their disposal including drums, Colombian drums, guitar, bass, vocals, clarinet, trombone, tenor saxophone, traditional Colombian percussion instruments such as maracas and gaitas (large indigenous flutes), and synthesizers, M.A.K.U SoundSystem will get you dancing in a heartbeat.
The band includes Camilo Rodriguez (guitar), Juan Ospina (lead vocals, bass), Liliana Conde (lead vocals, percussion), Andrés Jimenez (drums), Felipe Quiroz (synthesizer), Robert Stringer (trombone), Isaiah Richardson Jr. (saxophone, clarinet) and Moris Cañante (alegre). M.A.K.U. SoundSystem are not only committed to playing and recording terrific music, they also want you to hear it in its purest form. That’s why they had M.N.D (Music Never Dies) pressed onto vinyl right in Brooklyn. Watch their informative production video below and sample the EP above or on bandcamp. The best way to hear this band is in the flesh, so don’t miss their album release party at Joe’s Pub tonight at 11:30PM.
Excelent review. I’m really keen on this group music. I had doubt about the roots of the name but now is clear for me. Nukak Maku! Great tribute!