KOMBI-A TRAIN

Kombi-A Train is a rendition of Peruvian Psychedelic Cumbia. True Latin American music played by this WA based band formed by Latinos in the core. The band plays the genre of ‘Psychedelic Cumbia’ (aka ‘Chicha’), which started in the middle of the late 70’s oil-boom in the Peruvian
Amazon with bands like “Los Mirlos”. Immediately took over Peru and the rest of Latin America, becoming the soundtrack of parties and festivals. This genre played by Kombi-A Train lately found resurgence through a number of bands mainly in United States and Peru since the early 2000’s and since then it has been taking various experimental forms in organic and electronic formats.

The music of the band is characterised by the drive and spice of original Cumbia and Salsa upbeat rhythms, the depth and space of Psychedelic experimental guitars, nostalgic Andean harmony and melody, a hint of rock and loads of dancing beats. Kombi-A Train, directed by Miguel, a Peruvian natural, refreshes some Chicha Standard tunes and the band ventured into original material in 2021 expanding Chicha with layers of Jazz and Afro-Peruvian influences.

Kombi-A Train finds its signature sound with two spatial and melodic guitars at the forefront, exchanging arpeggios and harmonised lead lines, a rhythm section of drums and Latin percussion that lock in the sassy grooves with deep (dub-like, at times) bass lines. The Kombi embraces and celebrates multiculturalism and plays with that natural energy of Latin music to engage people of all backgrounds. Latin Americans will enjoy ‘the imaginary journey back home’ while others will discover a world of fun with the tunes played by Kombi.

TWANG

Marcio Mendes and Lucky Oceans join forces in Twang! to merge the sounds of South America with the sounds of the South of North America with hilarious, exhilarating effect.  The brainchild of drummer/percussionist Ben Vanderwal, Twang! combines the infectious rhythms of his native Brazil with the swampy sounds of Louisiana served up by Lucky Oceans.  They have so much fun exploring the crossovers between the two styles.  Who knew that a Portuguese version of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s hit ’16 Tons’ was huge in Brazil?

Marcio, who brings his energetic take on Brazilian hits all over Australia, sings, plays guitar, sax and percussion and Lucky sings and plays accordion and pedal steel guitar.   There’s probably nowhere else in the world where you’ll hear such a blend of Cajun music, swampy blues, New Orleans jazz and the propulsive and soulful drive of the rhythms of North Eastern Brazil, and the Afro-Brasilian grooves of Tropicalia.

Sunday Music

Bask in the sunshine and enjoy a carefully curated line-up of our best musicians every Sunday in the beautiful setting of FAC’s Front Garden.

Bring a rug and picnic or enjoy food trucks and drinks from the bar at this family-friendly event. Some chairs are provided.

Click here for Fremantle Arts Centre concert information.