Cabeza de Chivo is a Chicago-based band with Psychedelic and Cumbia roots creating a psycho-tropical genre. The band’s tremendous praise across the Chicago music scene led to their support in releasing their latest EP, Cabeza De Chivo.
In 2023, the band kicked off their grooves with the most popular hit song, “Danza del Chivo” and continues to surpass hit after hit. As a band called “Cabeza de Chivo,” translated to “Head of a Goat,” here at P.O.D we can agree this band is the G.O.A.T. in mastering addictive dance music.
From my experience, Cabeza de Chivo has grown to keep their rhythm roots. This EP marks the start of the band’s long lasting creativity coming to fruition. A true summer groove worth checking out from Chicago.
Here’s a run-down of the songs on their self-titled EP.
“Ocho”
This was the first single released to the fans prior and didn’t fail to deliver an exciting feeling for their music. While the title translates to “Eight” in English, if we really dive into ideas of where it stems, my guess is the timeframe where many folks go out at night to dance the night away. You get a sense of adrenaline rushing off the first 30 secs into your ears from the drums to the bass line. As the song progresses, the synths increase with the echo of the word “cumbia” faintly heard in the background. For all the non-cumbia listeners, this feeling can be related to the sound of “a guitar shredding”. While little lyrics are presented, this band redefines the needs that words are what make the music it’s all about the sound.
“Cumbia Ska”
This song caught my attention before listening to the song for good reasons. Ska originates from Jamaica known for upbeat tempo alongside a walking bass line and incorporating keyboard rhythms. Now add in cumbia and it almost sounds like it’s even groovy than one can imagine. A hint of cowbell, upbeat keyboard sounds tied with the bass note as the drums continue to move around the room. While the guitar follows alongside the keyboard notes combining a rhythm distinctive solely to the band.
“Segundo”
An erring noise is carried across the song making the listener feel as if they’re in another world. This song marks the roots of psycho-tropical music at its peak. What starts off with an upbeat tempo gets carried with the noise presented from the keyboards gives an extra layer of shoulder movement for listeners. It’s extremely fascinating at 2:09 mins when you hear the music go into a spiral effect. From the keyboard down spiral continues down it doesn’t seem to impact the rhythm of the entire piece at all.
“Spooky”
Hard hitting sounds of guitar creating a halloween vibe across 42 secs of the song. Fast switching into mid-tempo to low-tempo rhythm continues to switch throughout the song. This band never fails to surprise listeners with their music, creating an unless curiosity. At 3:45 mins, you hear the fast switch up continue to progress up like a fast wave. A creeping sound definitely adds a correlation to the song title, it speaks for itself.
“Chakachaka”
Though the title has a unique twist the entire 6:15 mins pulls in listeners to stop and feel the sensation from all instruments. A bit of distorted tune adds in the high of the bass line making it feel almost like a fever dream. Cabeza De Chivo isn’t new to creating music that makes listeners feel more alive, so what makes this song stand apart? The continuous progression with minimal drastic changes that adds this song to another level of creation. It’s worth listening to this song after a long day, so you can release your energy the most comfortable way possible.
“Cable”
The high pitch key sound just makes it even more satisfying yet powerful. As one of the last songs off the EP, it’s less rapid yet more complex at the same time. The high pitch compliments the percussion, bass and guitar instruments. Especially between 2:10 and 2:29 mins of high intensity groove doesn’t throw off the entire beat. Leaving no doubt this band has a grasp on how to coordinate a tight rhythm all together.
Review by Joanna Uruchima
