Change in the musicians, change in the music -- the third
Amparanoia CD returns to a more measured and acoustic sound after the fiery assault of Feria Furiosa. One change in flavor is evident right away, when Vesko Kunchev's violin brings a bit of mournful Balkan flavor to the opening "La Fiesta." "Mar Estrecho" and "Lunes 26" are pure musical journeys to the Latin Caribbean, and Kunchev's violin goes Latin on "Rumba de Perros"; the band returns the favor by tilting a bit toward Eastern Europe on "Tu Ausencia." The Balkan feel returns on "Siempre," but here as part of a pretty indescribable blend built on a sorta funky melodic bassline and Amparo Sánchez's elastic vocal melody. "Como Yo" is straight reggae, but mellower than the brand delivered on Feria Furiosa, while the sharp lyrical observations of "En La Ciudad" ride the Jamaican style with especially good, bubbling organ fills and a melody that echoes earlier
Amparanoia songs. There are a few more
Manu Chao-style sound collages between songs and the music on
Somos Viento is generally slower and moves in almost a hip-hop/rap direction on "Tu a Mi Me Dejas." But then, it should be obvious by now that change is an intrinsic part of
Amparanoia's style -- that, and Amparo Sánchez's ability to command any kind of musical setting she places herself in. ~ Don Snowden