MUSIC REVIEW
Soulsa / SOULSA

By Luis C. Molina

The music industry is currently in a semi-eclipse. Formula has become the order of the day while individuality has almost disappeared. No one seems to want to take a risk and break the various bland molds that have been plaguing music the last several years. Luckily, there is a break happening in the mold. Soulsa, like Moses parting the Red Sea, is breaking through the sea of boring, pedestrian music.

I was first introduced to the music and sound of Soulsa at an event at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center. As a live band, their performances are outstanding. I have not seen or heard playing like this for a long time.Interestingly enough, the best track on this CD was recorded during a live performance. "Mi Negra" literally captures the experience of hearing this band live-they don't pull any punches with their infectious and spontaneous musical arrangements. The energy and enthusiasm of this song makes you want to get up and dance.
But Soulsa is not just about making you want to get up and dance-there is something for everyone on this CD. "Quisieras
tu volver" is an interesting blend of Santana inspired guitar riffs and tropical salsa.
"Titulo" is a brutally honest song about gossip and labeling people. "Sudor infiel" is a perfect song-the music and lyrics
perfectly complement each. The song, which is candid about a one-night stand, beautifully blends Latin, jazz and Miles
Davis into the musical arrangement. Equally stunning are the vocal arrangements. This song really made me smile.

Soulsa is clearly emerging from a vast
range of music. Influences are apparent, but they don't define the music. Soulsa has its own sound, which is what makes them so refreshing.
At press time, the band is still unsigned. This is surprising because of the high quality of the CD-not just the sound quality, but the packaging too (check out the excellent photography by Amy Ponce).

If you are tired of the teen scene and the salsa wannabe's, pick up Soulsa's self-titled CD and hear some real musicians move you into the new century.


Edwin Roman
Latiknow E-Magazine

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