Lagartijeando – 7 Caminos Review

What does Lagartijeando sound like?

A masterful blend of Latin and South American instrumentation and folklore, with a nod towards modern-day rhythms and technology.

The review of ‘7 Caminos’ by Lagartijeando

One of the pioneers of modern Andean folktronica, Lagartijeando said that he needed to find some new energy for his latest album. ‘7 Caminos’ follows Lagartijeando (Mati Zundel) as he explores Latin America, its people, mountains, and folklore. He visited a place in Peru called the Taki Wasi Center, where he worked with traditional healers. Here he discovered ceremonial songs called Ikaro, and the seeds of the album were in place.

The album plays out with rich tapestries from across the South American continent. ‘Fiesta En Las Sierras’ is a vibrant Andean piece full of strings from Manu Quintans. Manu brings Andean winds, guitar and charango to give the song the spirit of South America, and his work pops up across the album. Lagartijeando has recently moved to Cholula, Mexico, and the album began its roots in Peru. This song pours pour cultures into the melting pot of sounds and instruments as it reminds me of a town square band. A Brazilian take on a Mariachi band almost. The rich strings stand out with their yearning bends and curls.

More relaxed is ‘La Cumbia De La Selva’. The downtempo track brings organic beats from across South America to drape themselves over house synths. It moves slowly like a boating trip as various hand percussion steadies the ship. The song is hypnotic as its throbbing pulse lacks a big hook but instead brings a smooth groove. ‘Guinea Congo’ brings out brass, and an also 70’s disco approach to violins and Andean winds. Steel drums, guiros, bird whistles, bubbling balmy synths and punchy woodwinds all combine to create a folklore that stretches thousands of years to the dancefloor. I feel like I’m everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

The village celebration kicks into full swing with ‘Santa Maria’. Khalil Mounji and Nabila Dali provide an almost call-and-response vocal that is punctuated with village cries, chants, and some excellent Guimbiri – a three-stringed lute that Khalil works into quick solos and motifs around the beats. Whilst the album is definitely South and Latin America focused, this track has an Asian flavour to it too. ‘Cholula’ features the percussion and flutes of Markino and vocals from Mariri. The low dub bass challenges the pounding of all the wooden and clay percussion, so much so that you barely notice a tiger’s roar is included! The track is a beautiful communion of drum, flute and voice that feels ceremonial and cleansing.

‘7 Caminos’ follows, with Camino meaning path or road in Spanish. I feel like this is where Lagartijeando’s multi-country approach really shines as you can hear different rhythmic flairs from across borders. Leo Leobons from Brazil (Guinea Congo and 7 Caminos), Fede Estevez from Argentina (Santa Maria and Que Lindo Sale La Luna), Pablo Vicencio from Ecuador (Que Lindo Sale La Luna), and Rafael Echegoyen from Uruguay (Cumbia de la selva, 7 Caminos, and Santa Maria) added their unique perspectives. Each track benefits from the multicultural approach and the rhythms are outstanding across the album. Not only does it sound like a toy box of never-ending fun to explore, but they all take their turn in the spotlight too. The percussion is never overdone, it’s just right.

Lagartijeando also treads some new ground with this album too. ‘Que Linda Sale La Luna’ is a dusty rock track in many ways. The electric guitar and bass lead the way with guest vocalist David Yturbe bringing a deep, meditative vocal to the desert track. There are still moments of big Andean energy, with a sumptuous string bridge, but this is the rockiest I’ve heard Lagartijeando to date. The album closes with ‘4 Elementos’ with guest vocalist Brenda McMorrow and she oozes wisdom and folklore with every note. Backing her up is a deeply brooding, slightly melancholic Andean folk track that showcases everything excellent about this album. The drums, strings, samples, guitars, and melody sing like a diary entry from the spirits of yesteryear.

With ‘7 Caminos’, we get some of Lagartijeando’s best work to date. The melting pot of Andean folk, global rhythms, and South American folklore and ceremony serves up treat after treat. Like a musical caravan, we travel across South America and into Mexico, collecting stories, feelings, and emotions along the way. Some are tales of caution, some are tales of woe. Most feel intensely personal and bringing that level of gravitas to electronic world music is something only a few artists can do. Lagartijeando has done it again, a wonderful album.

Recommended track: 4 Elementos feat. Brenda McMorrow

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