AWAKE - Nuevo Comienzo - Album Launch
Awake - Nuevo Comienzo
Album Launch - November 2023
Moby Dick, Madrid
Let's be honest, I didn't know what to expect of this gig. The reggae and dancehall scene is small in Madrid and you never quite know what type of night you might be in for when a poster comes through over WhatsApp from someone you don’t know. A new band, a long list of guest artists to reel people in and a gig on a cold Sunday evening as winter set in. It could have gone either way really but I was in for one hell of a surprise.
'Awake' is Ras Kuko, Carlos Keysie & Edu Fernandez’s latest endeavour. A stalwart of the Spanish reggae scene, Kuko, fairly new to me but who boasts a long-standing career and faithful following within the Spanish reggae scene for his work as Cañaman, delivered an exceptional show. An adept frontman, skillful vocalist and great communicator, he had the crowd engaged, responsive and ecstatic throughout.
His job, of course, was made that bit easier given that the band are as tight as Awake are. With Malaga’s Carlos Keysie on keys (known for his work with Malaka Youth), an exceptional Edu Fernandez on drums (also of Malaka Youth), birthday boy Goyo Garcia (who backs Rózalen) on bass and Pablo Márquez (O’Funk’illo/Jammin’Dose) on guitar, the band delivered some of the best live reggae I've heard in the capital to date. The drum and bass locked in seamlessly with that bassy kick drum driving the steppas riddims, keeping it cool in the one drops and a snare sound that cut through the mix perfectly and had reggae lovers drooling from start to finish. Keys and guitars laid down the two and four skank and crafted the slower, quieter, atmospheric moments to set the backdrop for a lead guitarist whose talent was undeniable. Yes, Pablo Márquez can shred, but for the most part he kept the guitar simple, clean and melodic - just what you need from a reggae lead. Props to the band - they were fantastic - and hats off to sound engineer, Mario Olivares aka 'La Cobra', for getting the FoH sound on point. It’s not an easy job getting it right or dealing with so many different vocalists, musical styles and vocal tones but his experience and ear had the tunes sounding sweet at the front, middle and back of the room.
Perhaps more impressive than the music itself was the love and respect shown for other artists who have made, or are making a name for themselves on both the Spanish and international scenes. Features from Ti Polo, a French/Creole artist from Guadeloupe, Madrid’s Chalice Sound and queens Layn Mamba & Tenerife's Caliah made for some great moments. More importantly, the features brought the sense of community and support Awake have for the whole reggae scene to the fore. Many artists speak of love, unity and respect but get blinkered by ego, fame or personal pursuit. Awake showed that the values they hold dear are ones they act on and this truly felt like a night of celebration for a scene that's had its difficulties but has nevertheless kept on pushing through. Kuko and his band spoke of, and showed, love and respect in abundance.
Vocal trio, Emeterians graced the stage with their collaboration title track, Nuevo Comienzo. It starts 'I feel that something magic is coming into being' and magic it was. Their spirit, musicality, polished harmonies and professionalism were once again on show for all to see. Emeterians and solo project guitarist, Javi Martín Boix gave a great cameo and other band members were scattered about the crowd showing support for the scene for which they have become torch bearers.
The showcases kept on coming strong with Lasai and Chulito Camacho packing some serious heat. Lasai, as fresh as they come, came out to an old school ska riddim. He effortlessly rode the riddim and a dancehall breakdown or two had the crowd unable to stand still. Chulito Camacho's gravelly tones mixed with cleanly delivered melodies went down a storm.
A stand out guest spot for me was, Pipo Ti whose new track Bye Bye Politicians had the whole place hopping. I'd seen him toast at sound system events, but his stage presence, movement, lyricism and down to earth personality really shone through in the live band scenario. It was his groundwork that set the stage for well-loved Lion Sitté to turn up the heat once more. His stage presence and high energy was second to none, something we’ve come to expect from the artist and he doesn’t disappoint. The night finished with all of the artists back on stage together, a show of unity and the feeling that ‘Awake’ really are here to let the music do the talking.
Spain’s reggae scene may be small, but these artists showed that it packs a punch and that they can roll with the best. They hold their own and will hopefully continue to support each other as the scene continues to develop. There were, no doubt, budding musicians and acts in the crowd who will feel re-energised and uplifted by the show of support between artists in a world and music scene that can sometimes feel fragmented and individualistic.
Awake’s Nuevo Comienzo is available on the usual streaming platforms but do yourself a favour, go and see them live, support them and buy their album. It’s well worth it and you’ll be supporting a band and scene that we need to see more of.
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