London-based duo Village Cuts explore Afro/Latin music through the lens of UK club culture, in both their productions and lively events across the city.
In their first collaboration with Palenque Records, the duo have shaken up some much-loved modern classics from the celebrated Afro-Colombian group, Son Palenque, with the sound of hand claps, maracas, tambores and chants lending themselves suitably to club interpretations. Village Cuts also enlisted the help of Kenyan collaborator Shama, who recorded new sebene-style guitar to complete the release.
The EP-opening remix of Damelo Acá is a thunderous peak-time banger driven by the classic Son Palenque call-and-response vocals and rolling percussion, building towards an eruption of soukous joy when the new lead guitar takes centre stage.
Their version of Zamba is a dynamic and up-tempo flip, with rolling sub-bass and choppy beats. The original guitars direct the rhythm, before joyous melodies and infectious ‘Zamba’ chants command energy from the dancefloor.
Last but not least is a club-warming rendition of Akalaka, featuring the heartfelt saxophone of Colombia’s legendary Michi Sarmiento, emitting euphoric bliss. The track is driven by its club thump and catchy vocals, plus psychedelic sound design to lift and transcend.
These 3 tracks breathe new life into the revolutionary and entrancing grooves of Son Palenque, for the next generation of party-goers. Primed for summer time sound-systems and sure to make you move!
Son Palenque Versions by Village cuts is out this Friday via Palenque Records.