Barí

by

Ojos de Brujo

Edit

I am glad that I heard this disc before I had it described to me. The phrase "Flamenco Hip Hop" would not have made me rush out to buy this, I must admit. However, I am very glad I had no opportunity to succumb to such prejudices. This music is fresh, exhilarating and successful.

Tiempo de Soleá kicks off the album as a true statement of their style -- driving, swirling beats and a wild mesh of new and traditional sounds. Often this sort of experimentation causes a train wreck, but not here. (Admittedly, the track Zambra gets a little lost as it meanders its way to nowhere...) Elsewhere on the disc, hand-clap percussion coexists nicely with synthesized raps. Beautifully done.

My only other complaint is the now cliched "hidden bonus track", which on this disc consists of over 2:30 of silence leading to a short burst of drumming. Not worth it, and annoying to skip over it.

All told, the first half of the disc is one of my new favorites -- it's great driving music, great decompression music, and great party music all in one. I look forward to future releases by this group, which will hopefully hone their music and their style while shaving off some of the excesses.