Mango Wood: The Sound of Now, Rooted in the Oldies
- June B
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
From the heart of Madrid, Mango Wood stands as a key player in Spain’s Boss Reggae and rocksteady scene. Since their formation in 2016—and final line-up settling in 2020—the band has championed the Jamaican sound of 1968–1970 with authenticity, style, and purpose. What sets them apart is a blend of rich vocal harmony, tight instrumentation, and a love for vintage sound with fresh, socially aware lyrics.
Drawing inspiration from classic Jamaican and UK reggae groups like The Maytones or The Ethiopians, Mango Wood’s powerful vocal trio is backed by a sharp rhythm section. From the very beginning, their live shows were rooted in the energy and soul of late-60s reggae, which continues to define their essence today.
Songwriting often begins with a simple guitar or bass line—or even just a vocal melody—evolving in rehearsals into fully arranged tracks. Lyrics are primarily written by Sando or Tibstar, vocal arrangements are overseen by Javier Ochoa, while instrumentals and signature organ lines are crafted by Pablo Delgado. Dani Wood drives the drums with vintage flair, and Alejandro Vega shapes the deep, grooving bass lines.
Their songs cover a broad emotional spectrum—from love in its many forms to stories drawn from history and real-life events. “Attica ’71” reflects on the prison uprising, “Hurts When I’m Home” deals with the pain of separation, and “Man in Town” is a tribute to Tony Face, the man behind Liquidator Music, their label and longtime collaborator.
To preserve that warm, analogue feel, Mango Wood record live directly to tape using vintage mics, valve gear, and classic mic placement techniques. These sessions are supervised by Delgado and Ochoa, with mixing done in analogue by Estudios Estrella and mastering in London by AD Mastering. Special thanks go to Javier Ortiz of Estudios Brazil, a key part of their sound.
Their latest LP, “The Sound of Now”, released in November 2024 via Liquidator, is a celebration of their journey so far—a fully self-produced work that bridges old and new with danceable rhythms and evocative storytelling. Following their acclaimed first tour in Germany, which cemented their popularity beyond Spain, they’re now presenting the album across Europe on the Sound of Now Tour.
On stage, Mango Wood is electric: a standout vocal section, a rhythm you can’t ignore, and a connection to the crowd that runs deep—even for those unfamiliar with the genre. Their dedication has earned them slots at top festivals like This is Ska (Germany), Rototom Sunsplash (Spain), Blam Blam Fever (UK), and Sosnow Ska Party (Poland).
Beyond music, each member brings their own flavour: Sando is a dedicated martial artist; Dani Wood is a craftsman with a deep knowledge of fashion; Javi surfs, Ale flies model aircraft, and Pablo and Tibstar are keen gamers. But what really binds the group is a shared love of comedy—on or off stage, they’re always up for a laugh.
With four LPs and seven singles to their name—mostly under Liquidator Music—Mango Wood continues to deliver old-school reggae with contemporary meaning.
Message to fans:
Thanks—a deep and heartfelt thanks. We’re here because you listen. And if you’re just discovering us, we hope our music gives you something to dance to, laugh with, or shout about.
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