Cybertropic Chilango Power

Exploding out of Mexico City, Cybertropic Chilango Power is Los de Abajo's second release for David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. Los de Abajo's recent nomination for the first BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards has pushed them further forward, though these Chilangos (denizens of Mexico City) have now been together for a decade. The world at large had to wait until 1998 for their eponymous debut album; prior to that, Los De Abajo's early efforts circulated via the local cassette underground. The band name means "those from below," a reference to the members' politically activist leanings. Besides having an uncompromising lyrical content, the music reeks of unhealthy fun, set to fire up fans of Ozomatli, Manu Chao, or even Los Lobos. The salsa, son, cumbia, and Mexican trad elements vibrate in sympathy with hip-hop, reggae, ska, funk, and electro, the band handily providing the genre name of TropiPunk to encapsulate where their fusing lies in the category bins. Their signature sound is dripping with saucy trumpet innuendo, the ensemble vocals ranging from raspy rap to harmonious Latino. Stretchy bass intermarries with stalking piano, a reggae bounce alternates with speedy salsa, and the hardcore Mexican content is provided by mad street band interludes and an armadillo-shelled charango and harp episode. --Martin Longley