Canibalismo

Peruvian cumbia—also known as chicha—emerged in the '60s. The style’s popularity eventually faded, but the South American sound is experiencing something of a comeback in the second decade of the 21st century. The Brooklyn-based outfit Chicha Libre looks to '60s and '70s chicha for inspiration, and the band tosses in other elements as well. Canibalismo follows up the group’s 2008 debut, Sonido Amazonico. Things get rolling with “La Plata (En Mi Carrito de Lata).” Hohner organ, wah-wah guitar, and exuberant exclamations ride a relentless clip-clop groove. “Danza de Millonario” takes its sweet time, while “Number 17” charges forward as descending lines fall into place. “Lupita en la Selva y el Doctor” is a nod to LSD inventor Albert Hofmann. “Papageno Electrico” has an Andean-tinged vibe, and there’s a speedy version of Los Mirlos’ “Muchachita del Oriente.” “L’age D’or” flirts with exotica with Serge Gainsbourg–like spoken-word passages, while a Wagner melody serves as the hook for the fun-loving “The Ride of the Valkyries.” The closer, “Once Tejones,” features a host of keyboard tones dancing in the air.