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By Juan Butten
The first time I saw Estación Sub_trópico live was at a book fair in Santo Domingo. I remember the vibrant atmosphere of the colonial zone, although the name of the place has slipped my mind over time. What remains etched in my memory is the energy of their performance. From the very first chord, their music made me soar. Without a doubt, they are one of the best Dominican bands live, and their quality rivals that of any international band I’ve seen.
That night, the band surprised everyone by inviting Rafa Payan, a former member of Tribu del Sol. Together, they created a spectacular show that left me breathless. From that moment on, I knew I wouldn’t miss any concert of this wonderful band. My second experience was at Casa 14, in the Ensanche El Millón, which was packed from end to end. This time, I arrived earlier, and to my surprise, the show exceeded all my expectations. The musical quality of these two geniuses was simply unmatched. After that second performance, I discovered that every show was filled with energy, a palpable kind of magic in the air.
What captivates me about Estación Sub_trópico is their ability to mix Dominican and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, creating what I would call a total art form. In the Dominican Republic, there are many bands that strive not to follow trends, and Estación Sub_trópico is a brilliant example of this. Their music fuses genres of Dominican root music with electronic elements in songs like “Drokpa,” “Río Estelar,” and “Bomba E,” which have become anthems for us, their fans.
Estación Sub_trópico was born from a creative need: to combine musical and visual influences drawn from our folkloric traditions with elements of electronic music. From minimal to techno, synth pop, and deep house, the band integrates chants, melodies, and images that reflect the spirituality and folklore of the Dominican Republic. This fusion results in a captivating audiovisual language that transcends mere music. I hope other emerging bands take Estación Sub_trópico as an example; their honesty in artistic creation focuses on the flowing energy, like the sound rivers of their melodies, rather than on commercial appeal.
What makes their work even more special is how they celebrate the cultural diversity of the Dominican Republic. Their ability to intertwine the ancient and the modern not only enriches their sound but also offers the audience a unique experience. Each performance is an invitation to a musical journey that explores our roots while embracing innovation.
Estación Sub_trópico has become an essential reference in the country’s music scene. With each performance, they remind us that music is a bridge between the past and the future, and that through it, we can find an authentic connection with our cultural identity. After leaving their concerts, I feel inspired and grateful for the gift of their art, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to be swept away by their sonic magic.
