Album Review: Alegranza, by El Guincho

This second full length from Spanish sampler musician El Guincho comes across as a tidal wave of warm, upbeat, positive energy. Through a series of pop songs he reveals a wide variety of world influences from Afrobeat to Calypso. Opener Paltimos Park, after a quick voice sample, hits you hard with an range of exotic sounds and textures which are aided by the Spanish vocals chanting an infectious tune.

This is definitely a summer album. It plays on a longing to drift off to some far away paradise. It conjures up images of a warm tropical island, long hot days and one of the best parties you’ve ever been to. So perhaps the October world release is a bit odd but this album will be my weapon of choice when it comes to ushering in summer next year.

Pick of the album: “Cuando Maavilla Fui” is a fantastic mix of voices, handclaps and exotic sounds.