EP Review: Hola

You just know with a name like Banana Mundo that you are in for a good time, as my old man once said to me “Chris, I am short and so is life, we are here for a good time, not a long time”. It’s a shame he did not have this EP at hand to use it in his timely philosophical saying. Banana Mundo bring a wonderful mix of lain vibes as salsa and cumbia to really induce those Latino hips we all know we have somewhere.

This is a fabulous mix of music that really showcases the diversity within the New Zealand music scene at present and may it long continue and become even bigger. I love the opening song, not only the name of the song Bananas of the World, but its general vibe and the enormous smile it brings across your face when you all you yearn for in that moment is a lovely sandy beach and a cocktail. How can you argue with line “love, peace and bananas” that is enthusiastically called out two thirds of the way through.

The EP then takes on a more sassy salsa expression that allows you to become more inclined to enjoy your unknown Latin side that will be eager to break out of its cage to embrace the hip shaping movements we all know we can do. One of the highlights of the EP for me is the song Concha Gonzales it has such a good rhythm and blend of all the top Latin beats, you can dance to it, you can sit back and close your eyes, either way, your mood will be instantly improved no matter how difficult it is to admit you still have a close connection to the UK (well for me anyway).

All in all this is a very solid EP from Banana Mundo and one that sounds very different to much of the music that is out there. If you enjoy the Latin groove, this is certainly for you, even if you do not, I would encourage you to give this a listen, you will not be disappointed. I can imagine this band really creating an ‘electric’ live sound that would be great for anytime of the year. The two important questions to answer are, does the music enhance my mood? it certainly does, you had me at Latino beats. Secondly, am I better off having listened to this EP? you bet your turtle neck sweater I am, this gets a strong 3.5 stars for me overall.