No matter what, it always seems to be the case in every new year that there’s a simple realization that comes forth in which we come to see many of the albums we missed in the previous year, and what magnificence we may have initially missed out on. While it can be seen as annoying for some, it’s still no less than greatly fortuitous for it’s always better to come upon a work late rather than not at all. Such discoveries like what I found with Tropic Santos are why the underground will always keep us on our toes with debuts like this which always give us reasons to keep combing the underground year after year.

A debut that flew under the radar for many of us, Tropic Santos surely put out what has to be considered one of the most promising debuts of 2023 with every given moment of these six tracks precisely what one could ask for in the realms of instrumental rock, stoner rock, psychedelia, and everything in between. Taking a vibe that has more than enough of a jungle tribe feel to it all, “Caccia Grossa” (Italian for “the big game”) more than easily lives up to its name. Bombastic in nature and utterly captivating right from the beginning, what Tropic Santos taps into here more than lives up to the reputation that each of the members have garnered for themselves in past acts while putting forth a unique identity and more than enough power to catch the attention of any passing by.  Each moment of “Caccia Grossa” more than qualifies to be dubbed riff-a-licious, and anyone who decides to pass up this creation must be considered foolish. The vines and the floor of the jungle have parts to play in these six tracks with Tropic Santos nailing the concept at every possible turn with it all culminating in an experience that many throughout this corner of stoner rock are always after, yet few are this capable of producing. This is a discovery the likes of which leaves a tremendous impression that are not easily forgotten with the future extremely bright for Tropic Santos should they continue down the jungle paths that we’re taken down here.

A terrific display of power where the animal kingdom plays a key role in the very rituals taken place, Tropic Santos has delivered something that cannot be considered anything less than a wild, unfettered success in excellence. A debut the likes of which demands we keep an eye on Tropic Santos from here on out, “Caccia Grossa” scratches itches I didn’t know I had.

LISTEN to “Caccia Grossa” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Tropic Santos on Facebook here.