Battle of Santiago

La Migra Battle of Santiago

2017 release. Toronto-based group the Battle Of Santiago combines classic Afro-Cuban rhythms and vocals with a distinctly Canadian post-rock spirit and sensibility. While Canada is well-known for it's thriving indie rock and electronic scenes, the country is seldom thought of as a Latin music hotbed. But Toronto hosts many thriving immigrant communities - including one of the largest Cuban expat communities in North America and the Battle Of Santiago is strongly rooted in the city's wealth of Cuban musical talent. The band's La Migra dives deep into Afro-Cuban waters, mixing Afro-Cuban Yoruba chants with subtle electronica and rumbas with post-rock experimentalism. The sound is more than just Radiohead meets Irakere, there's some cumbia tinged with dub anthemic Latin rock and even some smooth funk.