Curao

Released in 2017, Curao represents the culmination of Will Holland's (Quantic) decade-long immersion in Colombian musical culture, specifically his collaboration with folkloric singer Nidia Góngora. While previous Quantic projects explored cumbia and salsa, Curao focuses on the specific traditions of the Pacific coast, such as currulao and jugas. The album was recorded in Holland's 'Sonido del Valle' studio in Cali, utilizing vintage microphones and tape machines to capture the organic resonance of the marimba and traditional percussion. Critics, including those at AllMusic, praised the album for its authentic integration of traditional styles without the 'touristic' feel often found in global fusion projects. It stands as a landmark in the 'New Colombian' movement, showcasing how electronic production can amplify rather than overshadow ancestral sounds. The inclusion of interludes and field recordings provides a narrative structure that mimics a journey through the Colombian landscape.