Album review: Dog With A Rope explores connections between reggae sound systems and big-band Latin American styles.
British DJ/producer and multi-instrumental soul funk man Quantic (aka Will Holland) upped sticks for Colombia a few years ago and his experience has borne increasingly broad-ranging grooves.
Dog With A Rope is the second album under his Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno moniker and it also bears comparison to his Combo Barbaro project as it explores connections between reggae sound systems and big-band Latin American styles.
It’s a convivial collection, smoothly slipping from the mambo rhythm of Echate Pa’lla to the ska-tinged Cumbia Sobre El Mar and Markittos Micolta’s vocals on the dubby Te Picó El Yaibí.
The recordings sound slightly mannered compared to the rousing, florid energy of Quantic’s live shows but they’re still upbeat fun.