Dejame Ser

Smooth vocals, original material, and exceptional talent combine to produce this interesting 13-track sophomore effort by Costumbre. Winning tunes by this Zapata, Texas-based outfit include "Quiero Decirte," a lovely mid-tempo polka fueled by singer Manuel Edgar Lujan's aching vocals, and "Eternamente," a suave ballad whose sophisticated lyrics put a new spin on the familiar better-to-have-loved-and-lost-than-never-loved-at-all sentiment. Like their debut CD, Dejame Ser was produced by Carlos Cabral Jr., who helps polish the group's sonic signature. At times, however, their youth is a hindrance: though their folk-rock-norte±o fusion shows lots of promise, their potential is sometimes not fully realized, and many tunes sound alike. Also disappointing is the lack of liner notes with basic songwriting credits and roster info. --Ramiro Burr