The latest release from London collective Beauty & The Beat shines a spotlight on the music of Sao Luis, in Maranhao, Brazil, and the local trio, Loopcinico. Four tracks have been revived from the group’s 2013 album, and are now accompanied by 3 remixes. 

The originals are a melting pot of influences, reflecting the band members’ surroundings. Their rhythms inheriting, absorbing ingredients from Yoruba, Umbanda and Candomble. Both Kingston and Rio. The vibe is that of a real, proper, street carnival. Packed with propulsive, percussive energy that sits perfectly with the label’s previous Gwoka excursions. Demonstrating, clearly that these musics share the same ancestors.  Upaon-Acu adds ethereal, siren-like scatting and cool contrabass to the scenes of crowd shouts and cheers. Calma-Cara features quickly, sharply picked and strummed, guitar, its electric Tuareg figures partying with buzzing rave synths. 

Curimbobata is a busy batucada drama of timbales and chants. Its bass surdo drum bellowing like a marching band tuba. Leonidas’ Axe Remix breaks the track down before housing it up. Extending proceedings out into a hypnotic, hip-waggling 10-minute trip. Inserting techno trappings, such as a dancing, darting TB-303 and NYC ballroom Banjee Realness strings. 

The galloping groove of Maquio hits more overtly African. Racing bongos, congas and repeaters frantically shaking their stuff amidst scurrying, squiggling circuitry and the `60s Batman-like “Pow!” of brass blasts. Here, Leonidas, again, does his big room, peak time banger thing. His Disco Dub first takes the tune apart and then rebuilds it around a new bouncing B-line. Sending in elements of the OG drenched in echo and delay, step-by-step, finally arriving at something furious. Vidock’s remix also rearranges the number around a 4-to-the-floor. Giving the song more space to breathe while introducing uplifting piano and soaring, romantic orchestration. I’m absolutely, 100% certain that every track on the EP will go on to become anthem at the imprint’s legendary shindigs. 

The London-Maranhão Connection can be ordered directly from Beauty & The Beat.