From Blown-Out Bliss to Wistful Wonder: Los Thuthanaka’s ‘Wak’a’ Unveiled
Last year, the music world was taken by surprise when Los Thuthanaka’s self-titled debut album, seemingly from out of nowhere, clinched Pitchfork’s coveted Album of the Year title. Its elusive nature – largely unavailable on streaming platforms – only added to its mystique, making its eventual recognition a moment of collective discovery. For those who managed to unearth it, the experience was singular: a joyous, jagged, and gloriously raw soundscape, akin to a psychedelic transmission from a broken Bluetooth speaker in a distant backyard. It defied categorization, cementing Los Thuthanaka as an act truly unlike any other.
‘Wak’a’: A Mellowed Evolution
Now, the enigmatic duo of siblings Chuquimamani-Condori and Joshua Chuquimia Crampton return with ‘Wak’a,’ an EP that serves as a fascinating, mellower counterpoint to their abrasive debut. While retaining the signature sound palette of blown-out speakers and intricately sampled traditional Bolivian instruments – a blend of plunderphonics and psychedelic rock – ‘Wak’a’ introduces a profound shoegaze sensibility. The tempo is dialed down, the sharp edges softened, giving way to more wistful chord progressions and melodies. Guitars are drenched in fuzz and reverb, creating expansive, dreamlike textures. Horns and keys drift through the mix, evoking half-forgotten sonic memories, adding layers of ethereal beauty.
An Aural Journey Through Aymara Legend
Clocking in at just 18 and a half minutes across three tracks, ‘Wak’a’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an immersive aural interpretation of the Aymara creation legend of the first sunrise. This conceptual depth is further enriched for those who purchase the EP on Bandcamp, as the download includes a collaborative PDF with Ch’ama Native Americas, detailing the story in the Aymara language. It’s a thoughtful touch that grounds the abstract soundscapes in rich cultural narrative.
Track-by-Track: The First Sunrise
“Quta (capo-kullawada)”
The EP fittingly begins with “Quta (capo-kullawada),” a track that feels like a world slowly emerging from primordial darkness. A low synth drone and the chirping of crickets set a nocturnal scene before an Eno-esque guitar melody and a loping, distorted drum line gently usher in the dawn. It’s an atmospheric opening that prepares the listener for a profound transition.
“Wara Wara (capo-kullawada)”
Following this, “Wara Wara (capo-kullawada)” is nothing short of breathtaking – beautiful yet undeniably terrifying. The track builds into an oppressive wall of sound, startling in its intensity, much like one might imagine the first burning rays of sunlight would be to beings who had known only perpetual night. It culminates in a cathartic apex, a chaotic inferno where horns, keyboards, growling vocals, and asymmetrical guitars collide, a moment of sonic release that many artists strive for their entire careers.
“Ay Kawkinpachasa? (capo-kullawada)”
The journey concludes with “Ay Kawkinpachasa? (capo-kullawada),” a soothing comedown after the preceding intensity. Despite its undeniably dense arrangement, where individual instruments become increasingly difficult to discern, it offers a sense of resolution. Sounds resembling accordion, fiddle, and keys vie for sonic space, eventually giving way to stuttering guitars that guide the listener to the EP’s tranquil close.
A New Entry Point
For listeners who found the raw, abrasive energy of Los Thuthanaka’s debut a challenging listen, ‘Wak’a’ offers a more approachable, yet equally compelling, introduction to their singular artistry. It’s a testament to their evolving sound, proving that even in mellower tones, their ability to craft unique, evocative soundscapes remains unparalleled. Los Thuthanaka’s ‘Wak’a’ is available now on Bandcamp, inviting new and old fans alike to experience this captivating sonic sunrise.
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