Album Review: Pedro Pablo The Merry Merengue by Monchito & His Mambo Royals
If you’re a fan of Latin grooves with a twist, Pedro Pablo The Merry Merengue by Monchito & His Mambo Royals is worth a spin. Released under Ronnex Records in Belgium, this album brings the heat with its vibrant mix of Cha-Cha and Merengue rhythms. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—this record feels like a warm summer night wrapped in good vibes.
Let’s dive into two standout tracks that’ll stick with you long after the music stops. First up, “Pedro - Pablo.” This track kicks off with a punchy brass section that grabs your attention right away. The percussion is tight, almost hypnotic, pulling you into its rhythm like a magnet. What makes it memorable? It’s playful yet sharp, with Monchito’s arrangements giving off this effortless energy. You can practically picture yourself dancing barefoot on a beach somewhere—or maybe just shuffling around your living room if you’re not the outdoorsy type.
Then there’s “The Merry Merengue,” which lives up to its name in every way possible. This tune is pure joy bottled up in four minutes. The accordion work here is killer—it bounces between notes so smoothly you’d swear it was alive. And those handclaps? They add this raw, human touch that keeps things grounded. It’s one of those songs where you don’t realize you’ve been grinning ear-to-ear until someone points it out. Trust me, it’s impossible not to move to this one.
What’s cool about this album is how unpretentious it feels. Monchito & His Mambo Royals aren’t chasing trends; they’re doing their thing and owning it. Sure, some transitions between tracks could be smoother, and yeah, a couple moments feel a tad repetitive—but honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s real, imperfect, and refreshingly fun.
Here’s the kicker: for an album rooted in Latin traditions, coming out of Belgium feels kinda wild. Like finding tacos at a Belgian waffle stand—it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. So grab your dancing shoes (or socks) and give Pedro Pablo The Merry Merengue a listen. Just don’t blame me when you catch yourself humming these tunes while folding laundry.
