music

Mexico City’s Sonido Gallo Negro have spent more than a decade transforming cumbia into something strange, psychedelic and irresistibly danceable. Formed in 2010, the nine-piece ensemble draw heavily on the hypnotic rhythms of 1960s Peruvian cumbia and chicha, incorporating elements of huayno, sonidero, boogaloo, mambo, surf rock and spaghetti-western soundtracks. Electric guitars, Farfisa organ, flute, analogue synthesisers, theremin and layers of Latin percussion create a richly textured sound that feels vintage and otherworldly all at once.

Their live shows add another dimension through the hypnotic real-time visuals of Argentine illustrator Dr Alderete, who is also a theremin player. The result is music with a strong sense of ritual and mysticism, but also a straightforward purpose – to get people moving. One of the most distinctive forces in contemporary psychedelic cumbia. Doors at 8pm, tickets from Dice.