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Label: Independent
ChaChaBoom! is a Latin Jazz Surf Rock from NJ. Their self-titled full-length debut was released last December.
I appreciate surf instro with a Latin flavor. There is something about that mixture of genres and cultures that blends so well. I cannot explain; it just works.
“Otra Guagua” translates to “Another Bus,” but I am not sure. I am always curious what the online translator will come up with. There are three tracks on this album, each under two minutes, and this intro is one of them. It sets the proper mood and tone for what they do very well: twangy, Latin-flavored guitar and strong bass and drums holding down the bottom end so those guitars can cut loose without drowning out anything else. And that comes with proper recording, engineering, and mastering. Based on what I heard, they have it together.
“El Niño” would be expected to have an emotional atmosphere. It moves back and forth like the tides of the sea in anticipation of what is coming. The warming of the sea is what it is, and the music should do the same. The transitory nature of weather is reflected in the music here as the instrumentation’s tempo rises and falls. Very atmospheric.
“Cuban Getaway” has a retro feel, with a standout bass and drums following the guitar’s resonant notes. The Latino color and the guitar’s effect put you in the right frame of mind. The twangy guitar sounds a bit country with the tremolo picking.
“Sway” does exactly that: it makes you feel like moving your body that way. The music has a great beat, backed by bass and drums, with the guitar punctuating its notes with crispness that makes the intent very clear. It has the “island” feel, where you go to the Tiki lounge to get your drink, then head back to the beach to catch some more rays.
“Temptation” features an alluring sound - perhaps a temptation to step into another place where you normally would not go, then boom! The tempo shifts to a more colorful, exciting feeling. This is one of my favorite tracks. The bass is prominent, while the drums remain consistently in sync. The quick fingers on the frets bring you to the land where you dare to go as the excitement of the music reaches higher levels. The power is forceful but subtle when it transitions. A good example of their strong musicianship.
“El Cumbanchero” keeps the steady flow of their music going. I am assuming this is in reference to a place, but one never knows. As the bass and drums continue to build, the guitars take the spotlight, transitioning from speedy rhythmic bursts to a down-tempo “spy” sound. Now that I found it interesting for a transition within a song with all that Latin flavor.
“Latin Soul” has a steady, rapid drumbeat, and the bass keeps up as the guitars’ twangy reverb makes its mark once again. The six-string diversity here is impressive. Compact and precise is their modus operandi. They do it all very well, especially when they finish in under two minutes. It’s enough time to appreciate that what they are doing isn’t an easy accomplishment, which at first blush may be assumed, looking at the time span, but that could not be further from the truth!
“Exotic” is as traditional in sound as it gets when following the surf instro baseline, then adding your own trademark. Although this sound is nothing new, you haven’t heard it; it is done very well and is entertaining as hell, with tremolo bursts all over the place. One of the more exciting fast-paced tracks. The bass is huge here (again).
“Cuarto de Tula” (Tula’s Room) has a nice catchy sound (as all their music does), and the drums make their presence known as the bass also takes its place with powerful riffs. The guitar continues with its magnificence and colorful playground of sound.
“Rumba Gitane” (Gypsy Rumba) takes you right to the streets with all the movement, sweat, and sensuality that the Latin music can encourage and inspire. It’s all about the movement and non-stop beat of the drums and the rhythm of the bass pushing the guitar along. Some terrific guitars work here, further solidifying their hold on the culture’s colorful aspects.
“Siboney” also known as "Canto Siboney", is a 1927 song by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona. Now, how is that for reaching back in time? The drums sound Latin jazz-influenced, as that bass gets in the groove nicely. The resonating guitar expresses the emotion within the music. Well played with style and precision.
“Bilongo” (Flowers) winds things up with their own tasteful playing with their influences blooming like a flower in the sun. They bask in the rays of that warmth, and the subtle drum fills allow the guitars’ notes to float effortlessly over the top. It ends with a quick remembrance of The Ventures, then fades out.
ChaChaBoom! was a fun listen. Those of you surf instro fans who like a little extra spice and flavor in the sound will love this album! Fine musicianship and production on this debut release will generate significant interest among listeners.
Credits:
Guitar
- David Adasse
Drums
- Jon Brody
Bass - Scott Tulloch
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Dylan Saraciniello
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
January 16, 2026
Tracks:
01. Otra Guagua 1:57
02. El Niño 1:55
03. Cuban Getaway 2:15
04. Sway 3:11
05. Temptation 2:58
06. El Cumbanchero 3:13
07. Latin Soul 1:53
08. Exotic 2:09
09. Cuarto de Tula 2:47
10. Rumba Gitane 2:51
11. Siboney 2:34
12. Bilongo 2:47
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