Perú Selvático: Sonic Expedition into the Peruvian Amazon 1972-1986

This compilation album features 18 tracks by nine different Peruvian cumbia amazónica bands that played the high-energy dance music emanating from Peru's tropical lowlands in the late 60s. Keen young musicians here soaked up the cumbia craze spreading across Latin America, particularly from Colombia, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. They mixed it with traditional roots music of the Peruvian Amazon and the Andes, added a dose of psychedelic rock and the result was a vibrant instrumental fusion of jangling guitars, fuzzy keyboards, and pacy percussion – charged here and there with jubilant whoops and synthesised jungle noises.

This retro collection spans 1972-86, when cumbia amazónica was played to fervent fans in dancehalls from Mexico to Argentina. It comprises a lively selection from some of the genre's well-known names, including Los Cisnes, Los Zheros and Los Rangers de Tingo Maria. There's nothing here though from Los Mirlos or Los Wembler's de Iquitos, among the pioneers of the genre, which is a shame. Cumbia amazónica has enjoyed a revival boom since the late 2010s; whether this new album keeps that going remains to be seen. But it's a decent primer if you’re new to cumbia amazónica; dig out your flares and tie-dye vest and get into the jungle groove.