Los Thuthanaka, the enigmatic musical collective that unexpectedly topped Pitchfork's 2025 year-end list with their debut album, has returned with a more contemplative follow-up. Their new EP, "Wak'a," explores the Aymara legend of the first sunrise across three atmospheric tracks.
Following their surprise critical acclaim last year—when their self-titled debut claimed Pitchfork's album of the year honors despite limited streaming availability—the group has shifted to a more subdued, reflective sound. "Wak'a" represents a deliberate departure from their previous work, trading intensity for atmospheric depth as it interprets indigenous mythology through contemporary instrumentation.
The three-song collection unfolds as a gradual musical sunrise, with each track representing different phases of the Aymara creation story. Where their debut album arrived with unexpected force, this EP invites listeners into a more meditative space, suggesting the group is exploring new creative directions after their breakthrough success.
Terrence O'Brien, who reviewed the release, noted the EP's "mellower" quality compared to last year's attention-grabbing debut. The work demonstrates how the collective is evolving their sound while maintaining the cultural storytelling that initially captured critics' attention.