Pafata

Describing themselves as a ‘Latin rock fusion’ group, ¿Who's the Cuban? are a septet from France's Grand Est region. Since forming in 2017, they have released a studio and live album, followed by a pair of EPs. They've also recruited Colombian expatriate Pao Barreto to share lead vocals with other new recruit, Cuban trumpeter Dayron Ramirez Hernandez, who sings on the rousing ‘Piscina’, arguably the album's standout track.

The outfit's brand of fusion – heavy guitars and spacey keyboards hitched to rambunctious Latin rhythms – is a little similar to that of Canada's Battle of Santiago. It's a mix that doesn't always gel: the nine-minute ‘Nunca Mataré’ becomes a bit bombastic. ¿Who's the Cuban? are best when keeping it simple and punchy as on the catchy ‘La Chica de la Tienda’, with its echoes of Sergent Garcia; or the dynamic ‘Movediza’, featuring Carl Lelonge's trombone; or delightful opener, ‘Boomchakacha’, with its infectious boogaloo vibe. Good stuff!