Ziguala [Import]

The new album from Las Rubias del Norte remains true to the fresh and original brand of alternative Latin music seen in their first two CDs, Rumba Internationale and Panamericana, while taking them in some exciting new directions.

What hasn't changed is the core of the Las Rubias sound, which remains centered on the classically trained voices of Alyssa Lamb and Emily Hurst. Their high, rarified -- and yes, I'll say it -- emotionally detached lead vocals give the band an angelic vibe that makes the sound unique and unmistakable. As on previous albums, the vocals remain framed by a distinctive retro Latin groove, centered on Olivier Conan's steady cuatro rhythms, Giancarlo Vulcano's reverb-soaked surf-rock riffs, and brilliant percussion.

In this album the band brings a surprising new palette of influences and instrumentation to bear. From the start of the first track, "Porque Te Vas", it's clear something is different. With spooky organ tones over a ska beat, for a second I thought I had put in a CD by The Specials by mistake. Emily Hurst's old glockenspiel has been replaced, mostly, with the deeper, richer tones of marimbas and vibraphones. I must admit I'm a little sorry to see Alyssa Lamb's hot accordion and melodica fills replaced with the more sedate, moody tones of the Hammond and Farsifa organs, but I suppose progress is progress...

Another innovation is the incorporation of the Parker String Quartet on a few tracks. The result is a rich, melancholy sound on "Crucifijo de Piedra", and a gypsy-style Hindi rave (I know that shouldn't make sense) on "Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin", a tune from a 1957 Bollywood movie.

In the vein of their rocking "Confutatis" from their first record, Las Rubias returns to reworking classical music here as well. They do a fantastic "Seguedille" from Bizet's Carmen, and a Latinesque take on Kurt Weill (in French!) with "J'Attends un Navire". There are plenty of tracks with a great proto-Latin feel, including "Cruzando el Mar" and "El Alcaravan". The record ends with "Sola", cowboy-type number that feels a lot like "Happy Trails".

If there is a weakness in this strong album, it would have to be the lack of a "hit single" along the lines of "Soledad" from their last record, which really exemplifies what the band can do in so many ways (and complete with smoking hot accordion riffs). Still, considering the album as a whole, this is Las Rubias' best record to date. It is certainly their most elaborate and ambitious. Hats off to them -- highly recommended!

I'm surprised this record isn't getting more press as Panamericana did when it came out a couple years ago. This is a whole new set of songs and a whole new addition to the Las Rubias soundscape by adding the organs. It's great listening all the way through.

› Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars