Atlas
This daring quintet broke from Monterrey, Mexico on the scene in 2002 with their self-described"electro-Latin organic fusion"and turned a lot of heads at the 2002 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. The aptly named group continues their worldbeat party mix of funk, rock, electronica, trance, psychedelic pop, dance and more on their sophomore album. Choice cuts include "Airport Feelings," with its instantly infectious vibe and the trip-hop flavored "My God is So Quiet" which would fit in nicely in industrial/house dance clubs. With its start-stop dynamics, tempo shifts, and spirited jams, the 12-track album has a definite "live" feel. The only instrumental, "Do U Like It," is an intense rock-jazz workout that bounces leads between percussions, guitars and keyboards. But Kinky can also slow the party down, such as on the reflective tunes like "Minotauro" and "Semillas de Menta," whose hooky melodies and echoey vocal harmonies evoke nostalgic chamber-pop brilliance.--Ramiro Burr