Montreal’s night owls will be familiar with the Cosmovision approach, devised by two visionary artists, El Extravagante & Don Mescal. The record label promotes intercultural collaboration and collectivity in the arts. It’s the ideal space for expressing electro and downtempo vibes, a folktronica that now represents a large community of artists, from Mexico to Japan, Berlin to Santiago..

Cosmovision has invited a group of joyful, laid-back companions who will transport us into their “feel good” bubble. And we have to say, amid these tumultuous times that have us reeling, El Gato Negro and his musicians are coming at just the right time! Their lyrics are exactly what we need to quench our thirst for escape toward the expansive horizons of the world at large. “T’as le miroir tout gris, t’es fou. Moi aussi” (Your mirror’s all grey, you’re crazy. Me too.) is a slightly melancholic but comforting poetic thread that runs through their song “Le Tigre,” somewhat reminiscent of Mano Negra. A cosmopolitan universe that you can really sink your teeth into! The wide appeal of this flurry of arrangements also rests on a diversity of languages in its repertoire, including French, Spanish and even Wolof!

If fans of nomadic-style music have fallen in love with El Gato Negro, it’s because their pop sound Is filled with south tropical honey. In the blink of an eye, beautiful pristine beaches open up before us. Theirs is a musical bath of wild cumbia, jazz and hip-hop, interwoven with festive klezmer influences and a fiery flute! They take us on an exciting world tour, from Mexico to Argentina and on to Africa.

El Gato Negro is the intriguing tomcat who brings us the Toulousian singer-instrumentalist Axel Matrod. Like a migratory “catbird,” he’s been transporting his valise of words and artistic experiences since 2012. His vision of travel is all about forward momentum, fully evident in the catchy tunes on Tigre qui pleure, recorded in Dakar in 2023, which has been soaring ever since. This fourth album showcases a rich set of first-rate African and Cuban artists. Produced in close collaboration with tropical musicians, including Orchestra Baobab, Cucurucho Valdés and Kumar, the album is best savoured like a fresh, juicy pineapple bursting with vitamin C. So, fill up on invigorating songs like “Marie-Claire” and “La Vague,” graced with the divine voice of Senegalese artist, Nafi Gawlo, and deeply breathe in the refreshing air of this musical journey…