Currently based out of the Cali, Colombia, Will Holland, also known by his DJ name, Quantic, is once again back from the workshop to present us with his new work, a return back to Colombia’s local stylings with Dog With a Rope under the already-familiar Latin side project Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno. Having become inspired by the rhythms of Colombia and Latinoamérica as a rhythmic whole, Holland has crafted an innovative project that builds from the exotic offerings on 2008’s Death of the Revolution. Sensual and dynamic Latin rhythms infect this record with offers that range from Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue with a tinge of Bachata throughout.  Moving through this album is seamless and uplifting. The compositions are intelligently crafted and showcase Holland’s talent as an arranger, producer, and musician.  At just under 45 minutes, this record presents a side of Holland previously unseen, one that contributes to the landscape of Latin American music and its influential creative outputs. As an avid fan of Latin American music, this record feels nostalgic and thoroughly familiar, as it incorporates all the noises, jumps, breaks, and sentiments associated with the experience of Latin American music. A beautiful medley of sound, songs such as “Cumbia Sobre El Mar” articulate a precise understanding of the Cumbia genre’s conventions and its distinct tropical regional flavor as hailing from Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico and the whole Caribbean.

“No Soy Del Valle” (I am not from the valley) is a fantastic song that pulsates forward as a result of the infectious harmony coming from the warm sound of the accordion and the fun-loving trumpet. With the wholesome voice of the lead accompanying the instruments, the track announces its authenticity through its geographic specificity—since a lot of Latin music is rooted in the social-geopolitical context they are born out of—and in its captivating lyrical ‘stress’ and momentum. The following track, “Echate Pa’lla” is one of those songs we have all probably heard, an energetic song that demands you get your ass up and dance. Like grooving with your cousins at your family friend’s friend Quinceañera, this song is fun and uplifting. Never feeling tired and mundane, Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno contains the unique Will Holland touch that brings the music together in an accessible and enjoyable package.  Setting the example on how to access varying genres and styles, Quantic Presenta Flowing Inferno’s Dog With a Rope is paradigmatic to what musical exploration and immersion should sound like. Quantic, when thought of alongside the pantheon of acts like Kieran Hebden, Lucas MacFadden, Otis Jackson Jr., Simon Green and others who engage in these types of interesting and tangential projects, one realizes the magnitude of work and ingenuity that goes into the creating music of different histories and traditions with great authenticity.

Not only is this in itself an impressive feat, it expresses the interconnections of styles and the universality of music. Holland’s Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno demonstrates a grasp of Latin American music and presents to listeners who may not have been exposed to these beautiful and sensual rhythms. It is a natural progression from his work on Death of the Revolution as well as the Caja y Guacharacha DJ mix from last year. Much like the previous work abovementioned, the work on Dog With a Rope is special, intricate, and heartwarming.  The music on the record both literally and figuratively plugs into the veins of Latin America in a way in which only a native could. Precisely in this way, Will Holland shows that his expertise of music knows no imaginary borders. Overall, this record is certain to loosen you up and make you groove. As the track “Echate Pa’lla” shouts: “Si no sabes bailar, sientate! (If you can’t dance, sit down!) This isn’t to say there’s nothing for everyone else. For all the meditative music consumers it should prove to be an illuminating listen (it’s primarily designed with you in mind). Happy listening and I guarantee that this album will become a staple in your collection—it really is that enjoyable.

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