What makes Apurimac II by Cusco notable?

Apurimac II received acclaim for its innovative fusion of genres, contributing significantly to the popularity of new age music in the mid-90s. The album solidified Cusco's reputation and helped them achieve notable chart positions in Europe, influencing a wave of artists exploring similar soundscapes. Released in 1994, Apurimac II is the fifth studio album by Cusco, marking their continued exploration of world music influences. Following their breakthrough with Apurimac in 1990, this album further established them as pioneers in the new age genre, blending electronic sounds with indigenous themes.

How many songs are on Apurimac II?

Apurimac II has 10 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Apurimac II

Cusco · 1994

52 min · 10 tracks · new age music

A mesmerizing blend of ambient textures and traditional instrumentation, evoking the ancient spirits of Mesoamerica.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Montezuma — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rich textures and rhythmic complexity, embodying the spirit of ancient civilizations.
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Dance of the Sun Priest — The track features dynamic percussion and soaring melodies that create an immersive experience, capturing the essence of ritualistic ceremonies.
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Maya Temple — With its ethereal soundscapes paired with traditional instruments, this piece transports listeners to sacred spaces, exemplifying Cusco's unique blend of styles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of traditional and ambient elements creates an immersive experience that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional instruments like flutes and percussion layered over ambient synth textures, creating a rich soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate field recordings of nature sounds, which blend seamlessly into the musical compositions, enhancing the immersive quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Montezuma 5:17
2 Quetzal's Feather 5:02
3 Dance of the Sun Priest 5:11
4 Tula 5:04
5 Yucatan 5:21
6 Xul-Kan, King of Palenque 4:00
7 Maya Temple 4:13
8 Mexica 5:19
9 Goddess of the Moon 4:16
10 Temple of Rememberance 9:10

What to play next

Listen next

A Cusco Christmas

1995

Go back to

Australia

1993

Full Cusco discography Artists like Cusco

new age music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata