Sumo | Artist
Sumo was an Argentinian rock band formed 1981 in Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, by Luca Prodan (vocals, guitar), Germán Daffunchio (guitar), Alejandro Sokol (bass, drums), Stephanie Nuttal (drums), and Ricardo Curtet (guitar). Nuttal had to return to her home in England when the Falklands war started, so Sokol took on the drums while young Hurlingham neighbour Diego Arnedo joined on bass. Then journalist and later media star Roberto Pettinato (saxophone) joined the band. They rose to fame in the 1980s with their unique blend of punk, new wave, and reggae music, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics. Because of their lyrics in English, Sumo did not enjoy extensive airplay given to other Argentine bands in the wake of the war. In spite of that, it became a pillar of the underground scene. The band's music had different sides: hard-edged rock with an experimental touch, influenced by the sound of British post-punk acts such as Joy Division and The Fall, coupled with funky post-punk guitars and strong dub-like bass lines reminiscent of A Certain Ratio and Gang of Four, plus a typically British brand of reggae and ska. The band's short-lived yet impactful career was marked by their charismatic frontman, Luca Prodan, and their contribution to the development of rock music in Argentina. Sumo's music often reflected the social and political issues of the time, addressing topics such as poverty, addiction, and the human condition. Their debut album Divididos por la Felicidad (1985), showcased their rebellious spirit and musical innovation, earning them critical acclaim and commercial success. Tracks like "Debede" and "La Rubia Tarada" became anthems for the disenchanted youth of Argentina and Latin America. Despite their growing popularity, Sumo faced internal struggles, including Prodan's well-documented battles with addiction. His untimely death in 1987 at the age of 34 marked the end of the band's journey, and an enduring cult following for the band. After Luca's passing the band dissolved but its legacy was carried on by two bands, Divididos (referencing Joy Division) led by Mollo and Arnedo, and Las Pelotas (referencing Sex Pistols) which was Sokol and Daffunchio's project. Standout Sumo albums include Divididos por la felicidad (1985), Llegando los monos (1986), After chabón (1987), the archival release Corpiños en la madrugada, (1993), and the compilation Obras cumbres (2000). Divididos also released some excellent albums. In his youth, Luca Prodan was sent to prestigious Gordonstoun College in Scotland, the same school King Charles attended. He escaped Gordonstoun a year before graduation and moved to London soon after to work in the music industry.
Artist Website: wikipedia/Sumo
Featured Albums: Sumo
Related Artists: Divididos, Luca Prodan
