Effective period / Period of releases: 2012

Members: Daniel Mansilla, Lyle Crilly, Joel Perez (2), Jason Hay, Michael Owen (7), Reimundo Sosa, Michael Butler (7)

Toronto-based group the Battle of Santiago combines classic Afro-Cuban rhythms and vocals with a distinctly Canadian post-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. But Toronto hosts many thriving immigrant communities — including one of the largest Cuban expat communities in North America — and the Battle of Santiago is strongly rooted in the city’s wealth of Cuban musical talent.

The band's upcoming release La Migra 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 the smooth funk.