La Mecanica Popular: Psychedelic Salsa, Brooklyn Style

When thinking of salsa music, Brooklyn may not be the first place that comes to mind. But Efrain Rozas wanted to help change that equation when he came to Williamsburg from Lima, Peru to work on his PhD in music at New York University. The rich cultural incubator of the NYU Music Department was how Efrain met the other band members and came up with an exciting new musical genre that he terms “Psychedelic Salsa.” This new and vibrant salsa sound has already earned La Mecanica Popular accolades at live appearances and a growing fan base. Their self-titled debut album has just been released on Brooklyn-based record label, Names You Can Trust, with tracks that include La Paz Del Freak,Ella Le Deci and Arbol.             

Efrain Rozas told Brooklyn Roads that “Lima is a very interesting city, because it’s really cosmopolitan and you can hear a lot of music.” The local musical menu there includes classical and rock, as well as the indigenous music of Peru, a land where over 13 different languages are spoken, contributing to  “a complex cultural configuration, with musical consequences.” Efrain’s parents were open to everything musically, so classical, salsa and folkloric music were all played in his house and he credits that openness with helping to instill his appreciation for just about every type of music in the sound spectrum. Peruvian Cumbia music and its tropical rhythms helped La Mecanica Popular create this new salsa music genre that is growing in popularity.

La Mecanica Popular have been performing at Brooklyn venues Barbés and Sycamore Bar, as well as Manhattan hot spots Lit Lounge, Arlene’s Grocery, The Shrine and NuBlu. A stripped down, four-piece version of the group gave an intimate preview of their album at Sycamore Bar, which showcased the group’s considerable musical prowess. Efrain played keyboards and vocals, with Ismael Baiz handling percussion and drums, while Alejandro Haaker played bass and Joy Hanson provided rapturous vocals.

If you think salsa is not your musical cup of tea, one taste of La Mecanica Popular’s Psychedelic Salsa will expand your musical palate and have you wanting more.  Whether you’re a music lover from Brooklyn or beyond, you’ll be patting yourself on the back for exploring musical vistas that you’ll want to share with your friends.