Banana Mundo - EP Review: Hola
You just know with a name like Banana Mundo that you are in for a good time, as my old man once said to me "Chris, I am short and so is life, we are here for a good time, not a long time". It's a shame he did not have this EP at hand to use it in his timely philosophical saying. Banana Mundo bring a wonderful mix of lain vibes as salsa and cumbia to really induce those Latino hips we all know we have somewhere.
This is a fabulous mix of music that really showcases the diversity within the New Zealand music scene at present and may it long continue and become even bigger. I love the opening song, not only the name of the song Bananas of the World, but its general vibe and the enormous smile it brings across your face when you all you yearn for in that moment is a lovely sandy beach and a cocktail. How can you argue with line "love, peace and bananas" that is enthusiastically called out two thirds of the way through.
The EP then takes on a more sassy salsa expression that allows you to become more inclined to enjoy your unknown Latin side that will be eager to break out of its cage to embrace the hip shaping movements we all know we can do. One of the highlights of the EP for me is the song Concha Gonzales it has such a good rhythm and blend of all the top Latin beats, you can dance to it, you can sit back and close your eyes, either way, your mood will be instantly improved no matter how difficult it is to admit you still have a close connection to the UK (well for me anyway).
All in all this is a very solid EP from Banana Mundo and one that sounds very different to much of the music that is out there. If you enjoy the Latin groove, this is certainly for you, even if you do not, I would encourage you to give this a listen, you will not be disappointed. I can imagine this band really creating an 'electric' live sound that would be great for anytime of the year. The two important questions to answer are, does the music enhance my mood? it certainly does, you had me at Latino beats. Secondly, am I better off having listened to this EP? you bet your turtle neck sweater I am, this gets a strong 3.5 stars for me overall.
About Banana Mundo
Hailing from New Plymouth, the w(b)est coast of beautiful New Zealand, the band features French keysanova Severin Thiebaut on hot salsa flavoured keys, the brassiliant English tenor and soprano trombone player Tombone Roberts, local west coast Kiwi legend Robin Wells on jazzy sax, genio de la guitarra (guitar genius) Andres Duran from Uruguay, the hottest accordion player in all of the west Naomi Kuttner, “máquina de percusionista” aka “the love rhythm” Argentinian percussionist Nico Paladini and the world's tallest man from Venezuela en la batería (on drums) Christian Jacobsoni Rangel.
The explosive 8-piece band Banana Mundo is fronted by the musical swiss army knife Andre Manella on bass, clave, percussion and lead vocal.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Banana Mundo
Other Reviews By Chris Chick
Turkey The Bird - Album Review: Men, Fish, Boat
31 Oct 2024 // by Chris Chick
Turkey The Bird is the greatest thing to come out of Taranaki since the Jurassic age, if not, at least since the great name of theSlacks who would have thought two magnificent specimens could co-exist in such hostile conditions. But this is about Turkey The Bird and their third album Men, Fish, Boat.
Read More...
Chasin Wolves - Album Review: Chasin Wolves
04 Apr 2024 // by Chris Chick
If you like your music hard, fast and in your face, this is the album for you. I had to bath myself three times after the first listen just to calm down my ever-increasing dopamine hit.
Read More...
Ravenhall - Album Review: Brother
09 Feb 2024 // by Chris Chick
Listening to music should evoke an emotional response, to evoke a response that is both positive and uplifting is very difficult to do. I am sure those at the top of their game can argue that it is a talent that comes easy to them, but all the unseen variables that come into play through just living, making friends, going through the highs and lows of life.
Read More...
Furniss Brothers - Album Review: Drift Away
08 Dec 2023 // by Chris Chick
The Furniss Brothers comes to us with the 12-track album Drift Away, which is really apropos to how my mind felt whilst listening to this beauty. I am not going to lie, at one point I was so relaxed, I feared my heart had stopped.
Read More...
Lost Tribe Aotearoa - EP Review: Lost & Found
14 Jun 2023 // by Chris Chick
I am a true ‘noob’ when it comes to the Lost Tribe Aotearoa, so I can assure you and the band that this will be as unbiased as possible. After hearing the first song, I think it is going to be hard to stay that way all the way through this review.
Read More...
Late to Chelsea - EP Review: LTC
17 Feb 2023 // by Chris Chick
When it comes to the soundtrack of anyone’s life, I am pretty sure the counter cultural sounds and motives of the punk movement would have influenced you at some time. Every generation needs its punk bands even if it's just the opportunity to not take yourself too seriously and enjoy the madness that is life and music.
Read More...
Corrella - Single Review: Skankin
09 Dec 2022 // by Chris Chick
Oh yes, the summer vibes are in town and Corrella is starting the skank off without delay. Is there any other type of music that reflects New Zealand during the summertime as the ska/reggae vibes that permeated from the West Indies.
Read More...
EP Review: Bird Machine
24 Nov 2022 // by Chris Chick
Bird Machine are releasing their self-titled EP, the twosome brings a vibe of a New Zealand and Australian alt rock and dream pop to your ears. All these songs are remarkably performed, recorded, and produced from their home-based studio in the wonderful city of Hamilton.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
