Rougher and rawer than Da Lama Ao Caos,
Afrociberdelia sounds like it should have been
Chico Science & Nação Zumbi's debut album. The music feels like it was recorded live in the studio without overdubs, and virtually all the songs sound like unfinished sketches one step removed from the final form they could have taken in the studio. The individual elements so artfully layered together on Da Lama are separated out and isolated here, although "Etnia," "Quilombo Groove," "Macó," and "Samba do Lado" are potent examples of prime
Chico Science & Nação Zumbi. But the songs meander more and more as the disc plays -- only the surprising acoustic lope of "Criança de Domingo" has the focus and clarity of the group's best material. Whether
Afrociberdelia signaled a shift in direction, a slight second-album slump, or just an attempt to showcase the group in stripped-down form became a moot point with
Chico Science's death. Despite its flaws, this is still a potent example of the innovative thrust of
Chico Science & Nação Zumbi's new vision for Brazilian music. ~ Don Snowden