Som Imaginario

SOM IMAGINÁRIO: The Brazilian Psychedelic Pioneers Reinventing the Sound of the Tropics

Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, SOM IMAGINÁRIO is a band that defies categorization. Mixing elements of psychedelic rock, bossa nova, and tropicalismo, their sound is a vibrant cacophony of styles that transports listeners to another world.

Formed in the late 1960s, SOM IMAGINÁRIO quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying live shows and experimental approach to music-making. With a lineup that includes the legendary musicians Zé Rodrix, Zé Eduardo, and Frederyko, the band's sound is both intricate and otherworldly, with layers of swirling guitars, lush orchestration, and hypnotic vocals.

Their debut album, self-titled SOM IMAGINÁRIO, was released in 1970 to critical acclaim, solidifying their status as one of Brazil's most exciting musical acts. Tracks like "Super-God" and "A Paz" showcase the band's unique fusion of traditional Brazilian music with the emerging psychedelic rock movement, creating a sound that is both familiar and utterly original.

Despite their success in their home country, SOM IMAGINÁRIO never quite achieved the same level of recognition outside of Brazil. However, their influence on Brazilian music cannot be understated, with artists like Os Mutantes and Gilberto Gil citing them as major inspirations.

In a musical landscape that is increasingly homogenized, SOM IMAGINÁRIO stands out as a bold and unapologetically weird anomaly. Their music is a testament to the power of experimentation and the joy of creating something truly unique. So plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and let SOM IMAGINÁRIO take you on a journey through the sonic wilderness of the tropics.