ANALOG AFRICA
Analog Africa pride themselves on going to the most far-flung places for their reissues, and this latest release is no exception. Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical were a hip-shaking combo who, in the 1970s, travelled up and down the Amazon from their base in Iquitos, Peru, playing for late-night revellers in need of shaking their thang. They also released a good few records along the way, which have been compiled here. Led by Ranil, their sound is as contorted as a jungle snake, with bright, ringing guitars, roving basslines and shuffling percussion that can tie you up in knots. Their rhythm of choice is the galloping cumbia beat, but there are waltzes and swooning slower numbers on here, bringing a sweat-soaked Amazonian fiesta of yesteryear to life.