Bloco Electro

Bloco Electro

Bloco Electro is a live breaks and global beats outfit built around Brazilian drumming, Latin grooves, world beats and electro, with hip hop, old skool and forward-thinking electronica also part of its sound. It is the brainchild of Reading-based musician Gavin Lombos, who also sets up Beatroots Bateria, Reading’s samba school, in the mid 1990s.

Style and influences

The group’s music is based on percussion rather than conventional dance-music production. Its sound draws on Brazilian bloco drumming, as well as influences from India, Africa, the Middle East, bossa, bhangra, Latin music and other world rhythms. The result is described as a mix of electronic and hip hop-tinged dance built from live drums and layered rhythmic patterns.

Releases and recordings

Bloco Electro releases Global Beatbox Part 1 on Earth Connection. The record is presented as a largely percussive album and a concept-like collection of tracks that brings together global rhythmic influences. Specific tracks mentioned in connection with the release include African Beat and Afro Cuba.

Live profile

The band plays entirely live, without decks, sequencers or keyboards. It becomes known as a Womad regular and leads the festival’s large parade for more than 10 years. It also appears at Live Earth as part of the SOS All-Stars, a 40-member drumming supergroup led by Roger Taylor of Queen.

Recognition and airplay

Bloco Electro gains attention from BBC Introducing and appears on Annie Nightingale’s Introducing Tour. It also plays live on her show. A BBC Music review in 2008 notes the group’s development from support slots towards a more prominent live role.

Associated musicians and references

The band is linked in reviews to artists and acts including Fela Kuti, Tone Loc, Bomb the Bass, Ananda Shanker and Mantronix, reflecting the mix of rhythmic and electronic influences heard in its work.