A Feature on AKIRA – ‘Children of the Forest’ (Hot New Album)
- Nat Greener
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
With his debut album ‘Niños del Bosque’ (‘Children of the Forest’), AKIRA doesn’t just release music — he builds a world.
The Argentina and Switzerland-based artist crafts a record that feels alive, pulsating with history, mythology, and rebellion. Rooted in the rhythms of Cumbia, Salsa, and Bachata yet layered with the shimmering haze of psychedelic soundscapes, AKIRA positions himself as a visionary voice in the emerging sound he calls Psychedelic Cumbia.
From the ceremonial opening ‘Kumbia de los Pájaros’, the listener is drawn into a sonic forest, where voices echo like ancestral calls and percussion conjures the heartbeat of the earth. Each track opens a new pathway: ‘Cumbia del Bosque’ feels like a rallying cry for the collective; ‘La Faldita’ seduces with a lighter, danceable sway; while ‘Mononoke’, inspired by Studio Ghibli’s warrior princess, exudes defiance and strength. The deeper cuts, such as ‘La Del Ladrón’ and ‘Espíritu’, channel social reflection and tributes to working hands, grounding the album in both resistance and reverence.
AKIRA’s production thrives on contrasts. Reverberated vocals float like spirits above earthbound grooves, while cinematic guitar lines slice through the rhythm with sharp emotional clarity. The result is immersive and transportive, a record that carries the rebellious spirit of Latin America while reimagining its traditions for the present moment. “Everyone who listens to this music automatically becomes a Niña/Niño del Bosque,” AKIRA proclaims — and it feels true. The album is both a personal initiation and a collective ritual.
The influence of artists like Ilan Amores, Los Espíritus, and Hermanos Gutiérrez is felt, yet AKIRA carves his own identity by daring to fuse folkloric roots with cosmic psychedelia. The press describes it as “soul-stirring,” and that is no exaggeration. These songs don’t simply entertain — they connect, empower, and remind listeners of their place in something larger.
Having already drawn attention from outlets like RedBull, 3FACH, and AKUT, AKIRA stands poised to establish himself internationally with this release. ‘Children of the Forest’ is not just a debut album; it is an invocation, a manifesto of resilience, and a daring redefinition of Latin sound for a generation seeking both roots and revolution.
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