AMG Review of After the Carnaval

Rick Anderson
All Music Guide

To say that Zuco 103's latest is something of a disappointment isn't really much of a criticism, considering how fine their previous work has been. Instead of boldly breaking new ground, this time out the Euro-Brazilian trio is simply making panglobal dance music of top-notch quality rather than defining new multi-ethnic dance genres with every second or third track. The group has also moved from its former home base in the Netherlands, and that seems to have brought out a more traditional side to their sound. On After the Carnaval there are fewer moments of frantic funkiness and fewer samples, and a general feeling of increased warmth and relaxation dominates the proceedings. That's not to say that things don't ever get funky: "Fulero" features an uptempo, chattery chorus and "Begrimed" builds up a serious head of junglist steam. But in general the mood is more laid-back, and occasionally a bit too much so. The jazzy electro tone and lurching rhythm of "Beija a Mim (Saudade)" promise more than the song ends up delivering, and "The Same Way" is pretty enough but never really gets off the ground. "Nunca Mais" is very pleasant, but not especially remarkable. Established fans are sure to enjoy this one, but newcomers are advised to start with the utterly brilliant Tales of High Fever and move outward from there.