The name Meridian Brothers will be new to most of you, it is the creation of Eblis Álvarez, one of the key figures of the experimental music scene in Bogota, Colombia. But this may all change with the first official compilation release outside of Colombia. The Staubgold label have released Devoción, a compilation of their works from 2005 to 2011. The Meridian Brothers actually began life back in 1998 when recordings were distributed by cassette on the underground music market in Bogota. It was after Eblis attended the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Denmark and the DIEM (Danish Institute of Electronic Music) that his work became ever more sophisticated. On his return to Bogota in 2008 the music scene was booming with cumbia, salsa and currulao all being explored by a new generation of Colombian musicians.
The music is both surreal and playful featuring traditional instruments, electronics and distorted vocals. Every instrument was played and recorded by Eblis himself who is a true avant-garde guitar player and composer. Influences are wide-ranging: tropical sounds of the 60s and 70s, highlife, Ethiopian music, surf, Peruvian and Colombian cumbia, Latin American rock, champeta experiments and jazz.
Devoción is released 2 Sep 2013.
http://www.meridianbrothers.com/