ASTROPICAL is the cosmic joining of two massive Latin American artists: Colombian stars Bomba Estéreo and Venezuelan group Rawayana.
Inspired by astrology, each track on ASTROPICAL’s debut album is inspired by one of the twelve astrological signs.
With that powerful aesthetic, they turned New York’s palatial, stained-glass-and-art-nouveau-style Brooklyn Paramount into an entirely different planet. Neon black-lit sculptures towered over the stage while trippy celestial graphics brought the stage into outer space.
Vocalists Li Saumet of Bomba Estéreo and Beto Montenegro of Rawayana added to the energy, high octane and fast paced. They were dressed in equally eye-catching looks, with Montenegro in a solar-bright orange top and sun-adorned microphone, and Saument, his lunar complement, in a glittering silver outfit and moon motif mic.
Energy Levels
Through the roof – one could even say into the stratosphere. To the moon? (I’m trying to make an astrology joke here.)
Since both Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana are largely successful artists, it’s not surprising that they would draw a hyped up crowd. But it being expected doesn’t make it any less fun.
Fans were ready to dance from early on in the night, packing the venue well before ASTROPICAL’s anticipated set time. They were nearly frantic once the members of ASTROPICAL came onstage, reaching desperately over the barricade for a wave or a handshake, blowing kisses and making hand hearts, or waving Colombian flags so fast the colors began to blend.
One of the more notable things about the crowd was the amount of fans that are clearly FaceTiming loved ones, sharing the experience everywhere from cities to countries away. It speaks to the energy in the crowd: although it’s high, it’s still welcoming. People are here not just to see a singer, but to share an experience with their community at large.
Standout Performances
Corazón Adentro (Escorpio): The bass on this song is deep and funky. Combined with the repeated verse “corazón adentro” and the tropical steel drum intro, this was clearly chosen as one of the first songs in the setlist because it has something for everyone. Fans who have shown up to scream and sing have the chanting chorus to belt out, while the more subdued fans have the song’s thrumming bassline to groove along to. “Escorpio” gets energy up without making anyone feel left out, and — from the first note — immediately jumps out as a standout moment.
Fogata (Leo): A slower song, “Fogata (Leo)” saw Saumet and Montenegro tone things down a step or two. Bathed in a soft blue light instead of strobing neons, the two gravitated to center stage for this velveteen, shimmering Afrobeats track. “Fogata (Leo)” is an introspective take, reflecting on how even though one day we will have to leave this world behind, we should enjoy it while we can. The performance had fans waving phone flashlights (and one rogue lighter) along to the beat.
Me Pasa (Piscis): This tropical electronic beat had the crowd up and dancing from its first note. Both the crowd and the performer were still going strong despite this being the literal encore. Had you just walked in, the energy levels would have had you thinking it was the first song. In all honesty, this was just a fun performance — light, vibrant, and a great note to end the night on.
High Notes
Both Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana are huge artists in their own right. Rawayana are Latin GRAMMY winners, while Bomba Estéreo are still riding the high of their recent massively successful collaboration with Bad Bunny.
And yet they mesh together so well on this project, with no one member or group outshining the other or pulling too much weight. They blended so well, in fact, I initially had trouble distinguishing where one group ended and the other began.
It’s that true collaborative spirit that shines here: two artists not just working together for clout or streams, but for a shared creative vision.
For Fans Of
Dancing.
This is not a show for relaxing in the back of a venue with a nice little drink. This is the show to get up and moving, making friends with the strangers around you and swinging them around in an impromptu samba.
ASTROPICAL know how to throw a party, and that’s exactly what they did. It was truly the best way to spend a Saturday night in the city: part concert, part club, all fun.
Verdict
Worth the hype and then some. It’s rare to see two separate acts blend together so well, with such clear artistic vision. Even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish, it’s a worthy night out.
ASTROPICAL’s tour continues around the U.S. in late summer, from August to September.
For more concert recaps, check out our review of K-pop group xikers’ performance here.
