RecentMusic - HHY & The Macumbas New Releases

HHY & The Macumbas

HHY & The Macumbas is an enigmatic sonic project spearheaded by Jonathan Uliel Saldanha, a Portuguese artist and sonic alchemist known for delving into the ritualistic aspects of sound. The ensemble, bounded by a fluid but core lineup of musicians, takes its name in part from Saldanha's own alias, HHY. The "Macumbas" label refers to African-influenced religious practices in Brazil, hinting at the group's interest in blending tribal rhythms with industrial and electronic soundscapes. The collective operates as a musical forge where dub, brass, drone, and percussive beats are molten into a mesmerizing auditory experience. Their performances are described as immersive, often taking place in spaces that contribute to the aural architecture crafted by Saldanha's visionary guide.

The group's output captures a blend of studio precision and the untamed energy of their live shows. Their recent release, "Camouflage Vector: Edits From Live Actions 2017-2019," is a testament to their evolving sound, featuring material honed on stages over a span of two years. Prior to this collection, HHY & The Macumbas delivered the album "Beheaded Totem," a hallmark in their discography, revealing a deepening of their hypnotic approach to sound construction. In it, and the standalone piece "Melting in the Heat of Chase," listeners encounter a world of haunting brass arrangements and thunderous rhythms, producing a trance-inducing atmosphere that defines this unique act. Taking inspiration from varied cultural soundscapes, the band continues to challenge the boundaries between genres, exploring the transformative power of rhythm and sound vibration.

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