Seattle-based group Terror/Cactus has released an electrifying new single, “La Pantera”/”Descalzo,” which creatively blends electro-cumbia with improvisational jazz elements, thanks to the collaboration with renowned reed player Kate Olson.
The brainchild of Martín Selasco, Terror/Cactus fuses traditional cumbia with modern electronic sounds. Selasco, who was born in Buenos Aires and grew up in Miami as the child of a record label owner, has been immersed in diverse musical genres from a young age.
He highlighted cumbia’s evolution from its folk origins in Colombia, stating, “Cumbia has transformed and integrated into the cultures of Mexico, Peru, and Argentina. As an immigrant living in the U.S., cumbia symbolizes cultural identity and shared experiences that resonate with me and others.”
The group’s approach to cumbia incorporates electronic elements while maintaining an intimate musical atmosphere marked by minimalistic beats and a blend of bass and guitar, making their sound both engaging and danceable. The new single showcases Olson, one of Seattle’s celebrated reed players known for her work in big bands and her own project, K.O. Solo.
The A-side, “La Pantera,” offers a vibrant, psychedelic experience, driven by a catchy melody complemented by trippy keyboard riffs and guitar. Olson’s contribution on baritone saxophone introduces a bold depth to the track, as she delivers what Selasco describes as “expressive feline growls and squeals” during the song’s call-and-response segment.
On the flip side, “Descalzo” features Olson’s clarinet, weaving a hauntingly beautiful melody over a mysterious guitar backdrop that evokes a cinematic feel reminiscent of a film noir soundtrack.
Selasco expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with jazz musicians, saying, “I love working with jazz musicians. I leave a lot of room for improvisation and interpretation.”
Although Terror/Cactus often operates as a solo endeavor for Selasco, he explained that the creative process varies from fully composed tracks to collaborations with guest artists for a more spontaneous feel.
“I’ll reach out to a collaborator or guest musician. Other times it is a collaborative process, working together to make something completely new,” Selasco elaborated.
The evolution of Terror/Cactus continues with live performances, which have transformed from initial duets with percussionists to full-fledged shows featuring saxophones, clarinets, and guest vocalists.
Fans can catch Terror/Cactus performing live at the THING Festival in Carnation, Washington, on August 16, where Selasco will share the stage with Mexican percussionist, DJ, and producer Pahua.
“Having an entire day dedicated to Latin music is a dream – it’s such a diverse lineup of incredible talent,” Selasco remarked, full of enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.
Looking ahead, the new songs featuring Olson don’t signify a shift in Selasco’s future work with Terror/Cactus. He noted that his upcoming projects will focus on remixes from his 2024 album, “Forastero,” with the first remix of “Donde Estás Tú” by Chong the Nomad scheduled for release on July 18.
Listeners are encouraged to dive into the captivating rhythms and mysterious beauty of Terror/Cactus’s music, where cultural traditions and modern influences blend harmoniously.
image source from：knkx
