This new release is a further addition to the popular New York 70's revival currently bombarding our ears, but this time fused with modern infectious energy with a dash of funk for flavour. Don't get me wrong- this is not a pure DJ delight but nevertheless the tracks hook on, sink their teeth in deep and scream out "Move, you square!!"
Their musical ambush happened whilst working away on my little computer with my familiar music tinkling away through my headphones. One minute in my own little world and the next frantically reverting to my music player to track down the band that made my shoulders shimmy uncontrollably and embarrassingly in the middle of a public café- oops! "Pa'Lante" was the hook- very Spanish Harlem-on-speed: frantic, biting and all too infectious. Throw it on when the dancers are melting, the floor is packed and even casual drinkers have taken their first alcohol-induced venture into 'Latin-land' and you can't fail.
Flicking through the rest of the album released on 14th May, ChaChaCha, Boogaloo and Latin Funk are all thrown in my direction with vocalist Martha Acosta's Triumphant return to her Colombian roots in the Cumbia "Pepe" closing the experience. This sentiment-infused voice is reminiscent of the Cuban singer Danae; burning with passion, expression and soul. This is teamed with the slick yet aggressive kind of piano that would get even the most stubborn feet, hips and shoulders moving like mine did all too embarrassingly. You can almost hear this band having fun and they carry you along with them, like-it-or-not.
"Mateca" is just one of Marta's musical babies which formed in 2001 for the Hogmany Festival, Edinburgh in the same year and goes from strength to strength seeing both Martha and bassist Don collaborating with the likes of Roberto Pla's Latin Ensemble, Henry Fiol and Azuquita.
This ain't 'salsa romántica' or salsa to sing along to, this is UK-based Salsa con Sabor!