The Battle of Santiago - La Migra (2017)

In a political climate where deportation and police are topics of frequent discussion in North America, Battle of Santiago’s upcoming third album, La Migra, seems well timed: literally translated, "la migra" means "deportation police." And while the album was named prior to the election south of the border, the emotion behind the sentiment is the same.

"We chose this title last year, simply because all of the band members have had to migrate to Toronto for one reason or another. We often have trouble crossing the border because of our diverse heritage, something we expect to be even more difficult in the coming months," the band said in a press release.

The half-Canadian, half-Cuban band led by Michael Owen (bass and production) has a distinctive sound that’s part Canadian art rock and part Afro-Cuban jazz, twisted through a dub lens. And this third release, recorded in the band’s private studio, remains true to that sound. At first play, the 11-track album can be summed up in two words: energetic and pulsating.

Having the freedom to record in their own studio gave Battle of Santiago's bandmates the chance to experiment. From the seven-minute opening track “Aguanileo” to the feel-good “Pa Bailer” to the drum-based chant of “Barasu-Ayo (Part 1),” the layering of Afro-Cuban notes with jazz, electronic and occasional rhumba rhythms makes for a rich, foot-tapping listen.

"Audiences can expect a party with lots of energy and dancing at our shows,” the band said. “When we play live, there is a lot of improv coupled with tons of live energy that we feed off of, we're so excited for people to experience La Migra."

Tracklist:

01. The Battle of Santiago - Aguanileo
02. The Battle of Santiago - Rumba Libra
03. The Battle of Santiago - Pa' Bailer
04. The Battle of Santiago - Congo
05. The Battle of Santiago - Cimarron
06. The Battle of Santiago - El Viajes Del Bata
07. The Battle of Santiago - Asi Vengo Yo
08. The Battle of Santiago - Barasu-Ayo Pt. 1
09. The Battle of Santiago - Barasu-Ayo Pt. 2
10. The Battle of Santiago - Se Me Complica
11. The Battle of Santiago - Bomba Grande