Full disclosure: I used to DJ with Daniel Collas, one of the fellows behind this project– a new album by one of Rio De Janeiro's nastiest bands of the '70s, recorded in Brazil with the original members. One thing that I, and anyone who was at one of our parties could verify, is that the guy is a master of the terrain that lies between rock, latin and soul, and he loooves some handclaps. Sean Marquand, the other producer here, is one of the soulful saints behind the Baile Funk comps and DJs at the legendary Sunday Brazilian parties at Black Betty in B'burg. So, adding all these pieces together, what we have right here a goddamned funky, handclappin', soulful, Rio Black Power record. Check "Yeah Yeah Yeah(1)," or the album opener "Everyone's a Winner(2)" and see what I mean. The DJ sensibility is much appreciated, as many of the tunes have the little intro/break touches that make songs jump into the mix ("Africa Hot Band(3)," "Na Palma Da Mao(4)" and the "Spinning Wheel"-esque lead single "Been So Long(5)"). The changeup tracks are classy ("Astral(6)," "Tudo Azul(7)" and "Melo Do Luia(8)"), the band sounds good, and the post-production is minimal and unobtrusive. If this record had sucked I wouldn't have mentioned that I know Sean and Daniel, but since it is an undisputable asskicker I am proud to let everybody know we go waaay back. You did good, homeys.

reviewed by monk