Once known as Solesides, Quannum has been a prime destination for
indie-hop, thanks to its star chamber,which includes DJ Shadow,
Blackalicious and more. In October, it will splice some laid-back Sao
Paulo funk into its DNA with the release of Curumin’s JapanPopShow.
Just watch out for those Os Mutantes comparisons.
To be sure, the chilled croon of Curumin sometimes resembles Jack Johnson more than it does Los Bros Baptista,
especially on the streamed version of “Compacto” below. But stick
around for the psychedelic guitar solo on the hyperactive “Magrela
Fever” or the groovy stomp of “Sambito,” and you might end up believing
he’s a long-lost Mutant. He’s already a Jedi disciple, as the poster
above for Curumin’s show in 2004 illustrates rather nicely.
STREAM: Curumin’s “Compacto”
Whatever
you want to call him, Quannum and Curumin prove that hip-hop’s vitality
is alive and well, thanks. Like other musical forms, it’s got serious
gravitational pull, and can merge with rock, samba, pop or whatever
with ease. So kick back, loop “Compacto” and let Listening Post know
what you think. If that tune is too mellow for you, jump on Curumin’s MySpace page for more energetic sonics.
Photo: Curumin/MySpace
