by Roc Tebe Guspira Records
The Catalan band Hip Horns Brass Collective has just released their new album “KREWE”. Undoubtedly, one of the most original and groundbreaking debut albums in the Catalan and Spanish music scene.
Hip Horns Brass Collective’s debut unleashes a powerful sound that combines the sonic roots of New Orleans with the raw essence of hip-hop.
The lyrics, full of references to hip-hop culture, flow in an explosive mix of English, Spanish, and Catalan, distilling pure love for the tradition of rap and Afro-American music, elevating the brass band genre beyond its borders, diving into the underground with danceable rhythms like boombap and bounce, while drawing from strong influences like afrobeat, gospel, and funk.
The album is the natural evolution of Hip Horns Brass Collective, who, after releasing several EPs, such as Brassvillain (2022) and BRAM! & Mulligan (2023), aim to showcase what they are capable of in a full-length album.
With original music written collaboratively by seven of the band members, using only wind instruments, drums, percussion, and vocals, “KREWE”
speaks to everything positive about hip-hop, the collective as a way of life, respect for musical roots, and mutual support against the individualism society tries to impose on us.
A rich-sounding album
Hip Horns Brass Collective recorded “KREWE” by expanding their brass section, adding a trumpet, a trombone, and a bass trombone. This gave the album more richness and power, in addition to featuring exceptional musicians who have always accompanied them.
The album’s drums once again come from one of Europe’s most important hip-hop musicians: HOSS$ Benítez. Following this path, they have added more colors and textures with the collaboration of one of the most talented percussionists of the moment, Erik Castillo from Compota de Manana.
As for the vocals, the album serves as a debut for the new band members: Mabreezee, a rapper and producer of Angolan-Portuguese origin based in Barcelona, and Aina Pla, a super-talented and very young Catalan singer and saxophonist.
Additionally, they have collaborated with key figures from the Spanish hip-hop scene, such as Escandaloso Xpósito, Juli Giuliani, and the Venezuelan MC Cecé, as well as special collaborations with the Cuban band Tumbakin and renowned trombonists in Europe like Dave Sear and Samuel Marthe.