Somos Viento

AMG Review of Somos Viento

Don Snowden
All Music Guide

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 eggae, 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/ap 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.