If you wanted to be dismissive you could describe Systema Solar as just another band hoping to cash in on the attention currently being directed at cumbia-fuelled dancefloor-ready acts from Colombia such as Bomba Estereo, Frente Cumbiero, Choc Quib Town, etc. However, a deeper look reveals that Systema Solar’s roots go a lot deeper. In tune with the history of dance music in Colombia they are an extension of the ‘pico’ soundsystem culture. Their music, to be enjoyed at its optimum level, should be accompanied by their visuals, dancing and their own sound system. On its own, the music, thankfully, still stands up to scrutiny. In tracks such as “Mi Kolombia” and “Sin Oficio” they have pulled off turbo-charged party tunes in the style of Manu Chao, and in Indigo they have a great rap voice along the lines of Cee-Lo Green.

For a debut this record shows immense promise, which should be refined in the future. The only criticism which could be levelled is that the band try too much, heading through techno, folk songs, R ‘n’ B, hip-hop and cumbia, although you could also argue that this is what makes this album so vibrant in the first place.

You can buy Systema Solar at Amazon or iTunes
Listen to the album in full at ONErpm