Agua Dulce

Afro-Peruvian sounds meet rhythmic deconstruction and complex electronics.
Double concert with Witch 'n' Monk.

Even though 'Agua Dulce' is the name of the famous beach in Peru's capital, this project of the same name is not about sand, surf and sunshine, but rather: deconstruction, electronics and cajón. This edgy-sounding triad makes up the rounded sound of the Berlin-based duo: They electrify the audience with Latin American rhythms that are radically broken down with electric guitar and e-cajón to create thrillingly pulsating noise and low-fi music.

The initial association is not entirely far-fetched, as Alejandra Cárdenas (aka Ale Hop) and Laura Robles grew up near this beach. Surprisingly, they never met back then, but were in constant contact with the Afro-Peruvian musical tradition: a conglomerate of different musical styles and rituals that developed on the Peruvian coast over two centuries in the shadow of slavery and oppression. The instrumental epitome of liberation and resistance was the cajón. 

It has now become the focus of their joint work: They bring the historical significance of the instrument into their music, enrich it with electronic effects and at the same time deconstruct conventional playing techniques in order to advance from Latin America into uncharted sound territory. One example of this is the traditional dance music piece "Son de los Diablos", whose original spin sets the listener intoxicatingly in motion to the beat. So no sunny, much better: distorted and gripping, as well as skillfully daring views invite you to an alienated beach walk along the coast of Peru.

Afterwards: Witch 'n' Monk