EP Review: Los Thuthanaka - "Wak'a"

Wak'a is a smart, gorgeous addition to the duo's debut album from last year. Continuing to preserve the Aymara history through their music, Los Thuthanaka are still making incredible music that's not like anything you've ever heard.

Los Thuthanaka - 2026

There's nothing else like last year's release of Los Thuthanaka, a record that's so chocked full of different sound effects, layers, and compressed to oblivion that it's hard to decipher what's going on even on the tenth listen. Made by brothers Chuquimamani-Condori and Joshua Chuquimia Crampton, Los Thuthanaka became a massive hit in the underground scene and despite it being released exclusively through Bandcamp (and not through a traditional streaming service), it achieved critical acclaim with Pitchfork even ranking it as the best album of 2025. Although I didn't review it, I find the album to be quite excellent, enveloping, and one-of-a-kind (I even included it in my very own best albums of 2025 list). The album explores the Aymara traditional music and rhythms from South America, layering and often smothering it with psychedelic rock, noise, electronics, drone, cumbia, plunderphonics, and more. It's an immense record with layers upon layers of sound and a rougher, more "unmastered" finish to the mix, making it sound raw and abrasive. It's a lot to unpack and it certainly isn't for everyone, especially those who get overwhelmed easily. But for those who are up for the challenge, Los Thuthanaka is absolutely worth your time.

Now that the record has had some breathing room, there have still been plenty of activity going on with the duo. Crampton released his fifth solo album Anata earlier this year and the duo have released a new EP titled Wak'a. Wak'a is three tracks at eighteen minutes in total, but it sure packs a lot. The two decided to collect Aymara oral histories from direct retellings of community members and archival transcriptions and assemble them into a booklet that accompanies the EP. The duo are continuing to preserve the Aymara history through their music. If you heard the previous album, then Wak'a shouldn't be a surprise. It acts as a companion piece of sorts to Los Thuthanaka, by layering immense sounds of electronics, rhythms, and psychedelia. Surprisingly, some tracks go towards a more toned down, relaxed direction. Yes, there's still the heavy layered and pressured chaos, but its muted chaos, if that's even possible. "Quta" opens the EP in a beautiful fashion, with whirring drone, crickets chirping, a booming drum machine, and blissful melodies. It's pure ear candy and it's absolutely gorgeous. "Wara Wara" seems to continue in a similar way to that of Los Thuthanaka, where its frenzy of drums and booming synths blast through your speakers. It sounds like a leftover from the album and as a bridge that takes you into the EP's last song. "Ay Kawkinpachasa?" wraps up the EP in a beautiful, beautiful sunset-esque closer. The accordion playing makes it a real highlight and a treat on the ears.

Wak'a is a smart, gorgeous addition to the duo's debut album. It's one of the most stunning collection of tracks I've heard all year and I highly recommend to anyone willing to take up the brothers' unique stylings. No, you don't necessarily have to listen to Los Thuthanaka beforehand (although I do recommend doing so), but it truly does stand on its own as an EP. I can't wait to hear what the brothers do next and it's great to see them flourish and expand their sound even further.

My Rating: 9 / 10

Favorite Songs: "Quta," "Ay Kawkinpachasa?"