Perrozompopo Breaks the Silence

Perrozompopo Breaks the Silence

   Perrozompopo is a Nicaraguan term for a gecko with a black tail, white stomach, and a red, triangular head, known for its scrappy character. In local nica folklore, the lizard was unwittingly transplanted from Cuba during the Sandino Resistance in the 1930s. Perrozompopo is also the name of a new Nicaraguan rock band with a unique and yes, scrappy sound. The quartet is comprised of Jacko on bass guitar, Juan on drums and percussion, Gabriel on electric guitar and Ramon Mejia on Spanish guitar. Ramon is also the singer and songwriter of the group. Their new CD, “Romper el Silencio” (Break the Silence) does not sound anything like an inaugural project.

   The twelve songs, recorded in the capitol city of Managua, carry a grassroots political message. A booklet inside the package even contains an introduction, dedicating the disc to the children of the streets in Managua as well as all exploited children and women in Nicaragua. The manifest continues with a wish for liberty, change and new opportunities for the country through peaceful means.

   The first song on the disc, “Quiere a Tu Pais” (Love Your Country) is an appropriate for these sentiments. In the lyrics, Ramon notes that life is rough, but that if Nicaraguans stay together, a positive change will come for everyone. The next song, “Perrozompopo,” is the band’s namesake. The song comments on the strength and stamina of the gecko, their astute drive to survive, and that nicas could learn a lesson in survival from them. The CD’s title song, “Romper el Silencio” (Break the Silence) reminds the audience that silence is also a form of participation.

   It is refreshing to hear a new, positive voice, so full of sincerity and hopefulness, coming from Nicaragua. Perrozompopo draws on many musical influences, including traditional Nicaraguan folk, to create a style they have dubbed, “Nica-urbana”, which is theirs alone. There are some great crossovers and segues from a traditional acoustic sound into an electric arrangement, complimenting the lyrical changes in the songs. The transitions in tempo and the placement of pauses all work together to produce a tight-knit finished product, a fine collage of sounds and styles.

   The production by Enrique Mavilla on this fifty-two minute disc is sterling. And the recording and mastering by Carlos Estella is, well, masterful. The tiny Nicaraguan label Delicias Discograficas has released a professional, impeccably polished package. The CD has been picked up and distributed in Costa Rica by the revered Papaya Music label in an attempt to give Perrozompopo more exposure. Romper el Silencio proves that they certainly deserve the chance. The CD is available at the Jaime Peligro book store in Playa Tamarindo, where they will sample the music for their customers. All comments concerning this article are welcome.