Amparanoia
Somos Viento

THE REVIEW

Group unknown to most. What a pity.
Truly a pity, because this melting pot of street artists (currently composed of three Spaniards, one Moroccan, one Brazilian, and one Russian) knows what it's doing.

The members delight in skillfully blending the rhythms of their home countries and, in the finished product, the captain of the band, singer Amparo Sánchez (best voice of Andalusia), signs with a tone almost like that of an African-American. On first listen, one notices numerous analogies with the music of Manu Chao (an artist with whom Sánchez has always been in close contact): an omnipresent guitar base, the voices of radio speakers in the background (of course, SubComandante Marcos is present...), and lyrics (in Spanish) that take a stand without launching direct attacks, often flowing into melancholic poetry.

The music of Amparanoia is thus light, much more enjoyable than that of Manu Chao, and definitely more varied. If the guitar offers sad and subdued melodies, the trumpet adds a touch of Spanish “Fiesta” or Puerto Rican Soul, the viola contributes a pinch of Gypsy Jazz and, together with the double bass, Russian Folk, while a very plastic keyboard, very '90s Ska, adds a modern touch. Behind everyone comes the percussion section, now engaged on a base of oriental conga, now on rock or Ska drums.

Among the best tracks on the album are surely the sad “Lunes 26,” the Caribbean “Rumba de Perros,” and the anthem of the entire album “Somos Viento.” A work certainly not challenging, of excellent quality (both from an artistic and recording and mixing standpoint). Lively and very different from the mainstream on MTV, perfect for a beach outing for next Ferragosto!