Like the mighty Os Mutantes before them who rocket-launched Brazilian pop into extraterrestrial territories, Coconot, a trio that includes Pablo Díaz-Reixa (aka El Guincho), introduces tropicalia and calypso sounds to West Coast psychedelia, kraut, dub and a smorgasbord of other off-kilter genres. The result is fresh and fantastic. Vocal yelps, interstellar melodies, cascading drums and structures that collapse and rebuild set the stage for this carnivale of light. At only three minutes, the ornate “Miles de Ojos” summons an epic, brain-burning crescendo, equal parts playful and intense. “Tao” cultivates a colorful Caribbean flavor as informed by Spacemen 3 and Lee Scratch Perry. Though heavily rooted in traditional Latin and Caribbean sounds, Cosa Astral would fit perfectly in your collection between Panda Bear and High Places — due in part to Coconot’s relentless experimentation, but also in part because the indie rock world is beginning to celebrate rich international sounds.
This article appears in March 31, 2009.