Toronto-based group – Battle of Santiago – combines classic Afro-Cuban rhythms and vocals with a distinctly Canadian art-rock spirit and sensibility. While Canada is well-known for its thriving indie rock and electronic scenes, the country is seldom thought of as a Latin music hotbed. Toronto hosts many thriving immigrant communities, including one of the largest Cuban expat communities in North America.

Battle of Santiago is strongly rooted in the city’s wealth of Cuban musical talent. The band’s recent release Los Santos y Pecadores (The Saints and Sinners) dives deep into Afro-Cuban waters, mixing Afro-Cuban Yoruba chants with subtle electronica and rumbas with post-rock experimentalism. The sound is more than just Radiohead meets Fela Kuti – there’s some cumbia tinged with dub anthemic Latin rock and even smooth funk.