L.A. septet Ozomatli delivers such engaging, energetic shows that their studio work can be anti-climatic in comparison. Their fifth disc opens on a Latin house party spilling into the street. “Are You Ready?” is an upbeat barrage of percussion and brass, mariachi and norteño. The revelry abates when the cranky neighbors — represented by deep bass breakdowns — complain.
“Gay Vatos in Love” is a brassy, swinging, sock-hop-style song reminiscent of Los Lobos. Although catchy, the track stands out for its subject matter: “The more I hear of Morrissey, the more I feel alright.”
The group takes an ill-advised detour into pedestrian pop on the Jack Johnson-inspired and -assisted “It’s Only Paper,” and they expose their soft, singer-songwriter underbelly on two ballads, “Its Only Time” and “Love Comes Down.” These stripped-down, saccharine songs drive the party down to the Lilith Fair.
On closing track “Cabalitio,” car keys jingle as a voice speaks from a car radio, and we’re back on a road trip along the Mexican border. A polka-style tuba provides the bass line for this exhilarating, fast-paced ride.
Ozomatli’s best served by their Latin-flavored SoCal soundtracks, the mash-ups of rock, hip-hop, funk, and soul with a side of salsa. Leave the blubbering and bubble gum to pop stars.
L.A. septet Ozomatli delivers such engaging, energetic shows that their studio work can be anti-climatic in comparison. Their fifth disc opens on a Latin house party spilling into the street. “Are You Ready?” is an upbeat barrage of percussion and brass, mariachi and norteño. The revelry abates when the cranky neighbors — represented by deep bass breakdowns — complain.
“Gay Vatos in Love” is a brassy, swinging, sock-hop-style song reminiscent of Los Lobos. Although catchy, the track stands out for its subject matter: “The more I hear of Morrissey, the more I feel alright.”
The group takes an ill-advised detour into pedestrian pop on the Jack Johnson-inspired and -assisted “It’s Only Paper,” and they expose their soft, singer-songwriter underbelly on two ballads, “Its Only Time” and “Love Comes Down.” These stripped-down, saccharine songs drive the party down to the Lilith Fair.
On closing track “Cabalitio,” car keys jingle as a voice speaks from a car radio, and we’re back on a road trip along the Mexican border. A polka-style tuba provides the bass line for this exhilarating, fast-paced ride.
Ozomatli’s best served by their Latin-flavored SoCal soundtracks, the mash-ups of rock, hip-hop, funk, and soul with a side of salsa. Leave the blubbering and bubble gum to pop stars.