A more timely album title would be hard to find: Battle of Santiago's third release, La Migra, literally translates to "deportation police,' certainly a topic of great discussion in North America as of late. Tapping in to the climate wasn't a purposeful decision - the album title was chosen before the change of administration - but the emotion behind the sentiment is still the same. "We chose this title last year, simply because all of the band members have had to migrate to Toronto for one reason or another. We often have trouble crossing the border because of our diverse heritage, something we expect to be even more difficult in the coming months."
The Battle of Santiago (BOS) band members are half Canadian, half Cuban, resulting in a unique and formidable sound. Led by Michael Owen (bass and production) the band's sound never veers far from their distinctive blend of Canadian art rock and afro-Cuban jazz - twisted through a dub lense.
Recorded in Canada in the band's private studio, the making of
La Migra was a slow and deliberate process. The band didn't want to rush, and gave each song time to come to fruition. "We like the freedom that recording in our own studio affords us, and the ability to experiment. That sense of freedom runs through La Migra, and it took the journey of doing this recording to realize how important it is to us as a band to have that liberty." The band often invites other musicians in to the studio to promote ideas and collaborations. This not only keeps the members of BOS on their toes, but also excited about the music they make together. Most notably, this is also the first time they've had vocals on a release, and all the vocal contribution come from the Cuban band members.
The band - whose lead track, Aguanileo, is seven minutes long - have a distinct songwriting process that they adhere to. "The process is the same for each song: we all get together and jam, and record most of those sessions. Once we capture something cool we try it again in our next rehearsal, revisiting those ideas until it refines itself organically." The culmination for
La Migra is a terrifically linear, rhythmic, fun, grooving and vibe-y record.
Rooted in jazz, electronic and Afro-Cuban tradition, the album kicks off with the aforementioned seven-minute track, Aguanileo, dedicated to Oggun, the deity of warriors. The next track, Rumba Libre, is notable for the band's use of the rumba rhythm and pushing the boundaries of the sound as far as musically possible. The pulsating Pa Bailer is the album's "Feel Good" song, getting listeners up on their feet. The drum-based chant of Barasu-Ayo Part 1 is a one minute and 14 second track dedicated to Elleggua, the deity of destiny, a God that will open doors and bring what is deserved, good or bad. This leads right in to Barasu-Ayo Pt. 2, a five-minute fast moving mantra that expresses the anger and sadness life can bring, with the understanding that people can't control destiny.
Battle of Santiago are thrilled with the results - "The recording is audibly pleasing, it's great head phone music" - and is eager for their loyal fan base to hear La Migra. They're also reaching International shores, with the album getting distribution in Japan, Germany, France and the UK. And they can't wait to hit the road. "Audiences can expect a party with lots of energy and dancing at our shows. When we play live, there is a lot of improv coupled with tons of live energy that we feed off of. We're so excited for people to experience La Migra."
TOUR DATES
5/14 @
Pioneer Works - Brooklyn, NY
6/01 @ Lula World Music
Festival Lula Lounge - Toronto, ON
7/05 @ Summer of Music - Glenwood, CO
7/07 @ The Moab Summer Concert Series - Moab, CO
9/08 - 9/10 @
Sisters Folk
Festival - Sister, OR
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