Good music is hard to come by, which makes the release of Ozomatli's sophomore effort, Embrace the Chaos, special.
The eight-member L.A.-based band simply plays the music of the people and that comes across clearly with the eclectic mingling of Spanish rock, ska, African dance, funk, rock and so much more.
The band's name, Ozomatli, is the ancient Aztec word for monkey. The group embodies the ancient symbol that reflects dance, culture and fun.
Embrace the Chaos is the much-anticipated follow-up to the band's self-titled debut in 1998.
The first release was a hit by the band's standards, which means it wasn't a popular radio hit, but still garnered the attention of fans in both the United States and abroad.
The group got its start by playing a heavy dose of benefit concerts in Los Angeles to support the community center the members were running at the time. A record deal fell into the place for the band and broadened its range. The group has played overseas and toured as the opening act for Santana, but now mostly focuses on smaller venues where it can connect withthe audience.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The group has always had its pulse on the political arena as much on the music scene. Band members point to their experience playing at the protests outside of last year's Democratic National Convention as one of the more memorable moments of their career.
While the band has been a bit mellower in the past, on Embrace the Chaos they are following in footsteps of groundbreaking acts such as Rage Against the Machine. Several of the tracks on the group's second release offer much more of an edge and for as much as the group has matured musically, it also has a more prominent political message.
The title track brings that political, anti-establishment message to life more than any other does. It is among the more rap-oriented songs on record, but is easy to follow and certainly strays away from all the rap stereotypes that can make you recoil and forget the power of such a unique, fast-paced rhyme scheme.
Unlike Rage, Ozomatli breaks up the hard-hitting tracks with some great songs that will get you moving. The band takes the best from my mother's favorite Mexican hits and throw in a dose of American rock for a sound all its own. This is a welcome relief for those who can't stand pop music, but love great rhythms made for dancing.
The great dance tracks include "Mi Alma" and "Sue§os en Realidad." They still have a message, but they're also really fun and can get you moving.
It's hard to choose a favorite, but there's something rare about "Guerrillero." It starts with one band member saying to turn this one up, which is great because the track that follows showcases a mingling of drums, trumpet and strong vocals. "Guerrillero" is Spanish for guerilla and embodies the group's message of inclusion while rebelling against what they see as an oppressive government. More than anything else, the track is empowering and speaks fondly of people's strength and unity.
The band played in Albuquerque last month to a sold-out crowd, and its latest release is outstanding, but only leaves avid fans thirsty for Ozomatli's next stop in Albuquerque. The band's latest release, from Interscope Records hits stores Friday.
If world music that may involve new languages and ideas doesn't intimidate you, then buy Embrace the Chaos - buy it right now.
