Sin Verguenza
The Miami-based Colombian pop/rock/tropical fusionists Bacilos evolve with a new maturity on this 12-track CD. Singer/songwriter Jorge Villamizar eschews simple romantic pop fare for something more in line with his 30-something perspective.Sin Verguenzaoffers commentary on issues of social-political import ("Sangre Americana"), cocaine wars ("La Olla"), and innocent times ("En Los '70s"). The usual Bacilos tools are in full bloom from cool vocal harmonies and crisp melodic hooks to rocking guitars and party dance rhythms, all spiced by the occasional horns, violins, and banjos. "Miro La Luna y Pienso en ti," is an instantly catchy tropical bolero. The feeling throughout is a relaxed joy. There's the laid-back Beatlesque rhythms of "Colores Colores," a simple tune about racial unity, fueled by the sharp banjo picking by Brazilian producer Tom Capone. Another highlight is "Porque Brillamos," a slow, guitar-fueled song where Villamizar philosophically questions the intent and the limits of love.--Ramiro Burr