Deja

Their first full-length release since 2017’s Ayo, Colombian hybrid-beat band Bomba Estéreo’s new album Deja was produced in Santa Marta, a steamy Caribbean resort. With core members of composer/beatmaster Simón Mejía and vocalist/lyricist Li Saumet, Bomba Estéreo have established themselves on the alternative ‘Caribbeat’ dance scene since their 2010 hit Fuego.

If Fuego’s infectious tropical rhythms lured you onto the dance floor, then you’ll likely also enjoy Deja, which is similarly infused with an up-tempo beat, dreamy synth and Saumet’s energising vocals. If you also speak Spanish, you might like the album’s lyrical message too. Arranged in four thematic groups – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – the 12 shortish songs tell us not to let stuff (ie COVID-19) get us down: immerse ourselves in music, connect with nature (hence the four elements) and just be ourselves. Through its compelling dance sounds, Bomba Estéreo have given this simple but optimistic message new life, reaching out to another generation. Belying its zippy pace, the title-track looks at the dark effects of depression: not feeling like carrying on, lack of self-worth. The final track, ‘Feel’, at more than six minutes is easily the longest and leaves us on a more redemptive note. With its jungle chorus and whispered prayer, it invites us to feel, experience and live in the moment, through the music. Whether you’re looking for meditative inspiration, you just love club dance or both, Deja has beautifully combined all the elements.