KING STEADY BEAT & THE ROYAL PALMS – LA ROOKA

King Steady Beat and the Royal Palms take a step aside from the psych cumbia vibes and dive into exotic Afro-Columbian rhythms, and stellar, haunting guarachas in their much anticipated third vinyl release. Side A gifts the listener with “La Rooka”, containing a Cumbiamba rhythm and Afro-beat flavor. Soul Station #1, a founding member of the band Melting Pot and west coast support for Tony Allen (creator of afro-beat), is featured on sax. Tomas “Norm” Ochoa holds steady on bass, giving the tune a big, juicy, low end. Percussionist Roberto R. Salguero (Leche, Poolside, Amandititita) drives the percussion bus all the way home, back, and home again. Side B takes the listener on a South American/Caribbean adventure with “La Torta”. Originating as a traditional guaracha rhythm in Cuba, the song was covered in Peru, and then re-imagined by Los Angeles-based The Royal Palms. TRP features the magic fingers of Roberto E. Sotelo (Allentons, Arise Roots) plucking away on guitar with a sense of urgency, creating sounds of soul stirring and atmospheric bliss. This is a 7″ gem that deejays and the casual listener will to rush to add to their collections.