This,
Vol. 2 of
Itamar Assumpção's
Bicho de 7 Cabeças project, is one of the least known but also one of the most brilliantly shining gems in the treasure trove of Brazilian music. It's one of those rare albums that manages to be funny and energetic as well as melancholic and beautiful. And as always when it comes to
Assumpção, the styles and sound of the album are very original. With so many highlights and without any weak moments, it is probably the best album overall that
Assumpção recorded. Just as on Bicho de 7 Cabeças, Vol. 1,
Assumpção is accompanied by the female singers of Orquídeas do Brasil, and on "Tristes Trópicos" and "Santo de Casa" they do practically all the singing. Another female singer performs on "Quem Canta Sus Males Espanta," and the respected composer and singer
Jards Macalé handles the vocals on "Estropício." The different vocalists add an extra dimension of diversity to the already rich album.