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SON VENENO - SON VENENO
Blow (Featuring MYSTRO) / Stupid Song / Bridge / Present / Enete / Paradise
SON VENENO
An energetic outfit based in London by way of Latin America and Australia, Son Veneno are a band mixing styles as diverse as jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop and rock with a healthy dose of Latin flavour on their self titled debut album SON VENENO.
A kind of technicolor cross between the Buena Vista Social Club, Gorillaz, Ozomatli and Eminem, SON VENENO is a record that crosses genres and styles with regular ferocity, giving you tough hip hop one minute, laid back calypso the next and funky Cuban vibes right after that.
Opening song BLOW features UK rapper MC Mystro and with its mixture of Latin American rhythms and tough hip hop style, feels like a Cuban take on Eminem; the more throwaway STUPID SONG is a feel good mash up of party vibes and ridiculous lyrics whilst the acid jazz meets Cuban samba of BRIDGE features soulful female vocals, groovesome percussion and funky brass work.
With a Caribbean reggae feel PRESENT is a laid back slice of soulful hip hop that finds Son Veneno on suitably funky form, ENETE whilst conforming to some blatant Cuban clichés and overly familiar grooves is nevertheless another song that sees Son Veneno taking you on another exotic musical journey. Closing number PARADISE is a mellow acoustic tune that treads dangerously close to musical cheese in places, narrowly avoiding that due to some heartfelt sentimentality and intoxicatingly beautiful melodies.
A diverse and at times inspired collection of songs, SON VENENO is a record that captures a multicultural cross pollination of music, ideas and sentiments. An intoxicating and delightful affair, Son Veneno can't fail to leave you with a massive smile on your face.
BIOGRAPHY
Cesar & Steve Marin along with Lautaro Veloso emigrated from Latin America to Australia. After many years of performing traditional music from the Andes they embarked on a new musical journey to explore other styles within Latin America. Inspired by the music of bands such as Irakere they found their new path through the music of Cuba. The decision was made to find like-minded musicians, with the intention of forming a band dedicated to raising the standard of Afro-Latin music in Australia. This musical endeavour led to the formation of SON VENENO.
The next few years were spent performing around the country, building a healthy fan base and establishing themselves at the forefront of Latin music in Australia. This in turn created opportunities to collaborate with musicians outside the Latin genre. The addition of Ben Hauptmann (Guitars), Marty Farrugia (Horns & Synths) and Mike Raper (Trombone) enabled the band to incorporate elements of Jazz, Funk, Reggae and Rock into their music. The natural progression of composing together unearthed a new Latin alternative sound. Hip-Hop became the next major influence, which would lead the band towards incorporating MCs into their live act. The collaboration with MC Maya Jupiter established a true connection with the world of Hip-Hop. Son Veneno's diversity continued over the years, composing, performing and recording with many international artists including Cuban trumpeter Amando Garcia (Lady Salsa), vocalists Rebecca Tapia, Carlos Velasquez and Carlos Mora.
Their much anticipated self titled debut album shows a blistering repertoire of styles from Hip-Hop influenced tracks such as BLOW, PRESENT and PERHAPS. STUPID SONG, a Caribbean carousel of wacky lyrics inspired by the bands main wish to make crowds go wild. ENETE, BRIDGE and SOMBRERO are ferocious Salsa/Timba arrangements that capture the spirit of a Son Veneno live show. The acoustic PARADISE and Andean Hip-Hop track MAMACITA beautifully complete the album and articulate Son Veneno's diversity as composers.
Having shared shows with artists as diverse as Kelis (USA) and Cubanismo (Cuba), Son Veneno has won the acclaim from crowds throughout their musical journey. Constantly invited to major festivals reserved for signed artists (Jambalya, Homebake), Son Veneno's constant dedication to keeping the show fresh has seen the likes of many guests including Ozomatli (L.A.) and MC Mystro (U.K.).
With the desire to expose their music to a wider audience, Son Veneno relocated to London where they have continued to spread their alternative sound working with MC Mystro, Cuban soneros Osvaldo Chacon, Felix and exciting young New Zealand vocalist Holly O.
With universal beats and lyrics that capture the times, these extraordinary musicians deliver an energetic show that is a captivating mix of the multicultural influences that each member possesses. Son Voneno create a pulse in the hearts of all music lovers with a dedication to impose their blend of music worldwide.
LINE UP
Cesar Marin
Steve Marin
Lautaro Veloso
Ben Hauptmann
Marty Farrugia
Mike Raper
Mc Maya Jupiter
DISCOGRAPHY
SON VENENO (Self Released>2006)
Blow (Featuring Mystro)
Stupid Song
Bridge
Present
Enete
Paradise
LINKS
Son Veneno>www.sonveneno.com
FURTHER LISTENING
Buena Vista Social Club
Gorillaz
Basement Jaxx
Review date: February 2007 |
