"Either I was mislead in thinking B-Tribe to be something they weren't or I started at the wrong place in their career because 'Spiritual Spiritual' was my first CD by them and I was very disappointed in how mellow the songs were. It was hard to distinguish one track from the other because, imo, they all begun sounding the same and there weren't many high moments for me. The lack-luster tunes left much to be desired, but despite that recent let-down I decided to give them another try with their latest release, '5', and I'm so glad I went with my gut instincts because this record truly exceeded all expectations, which were pretty small to begin with. Their latest achievement is a testament to the evolution of artistic growth and while I do hear the similarities to 'Fiesta Fatal' (based on samples, anyway) and 'Sensual Sensual' (my third purchase from them), this by far surpasses those in terms of greatness. Many might complain about the musicians taking a backseat to the electronic beats but I don't find that at all justifiable. If anything it only serves to augment the instruments (primarily their trademark Spanish guitar strumming), which are just as present as ever. The music simply provides the listener with a natural rhythmic flow that enhances the melodic grooves, which are just as relaxing as before but without lulling you to sleep. Or worse yet, boredom. This formula may sound routine to those of you considering buying this but fear not. I've had my share of repetitive world albums that offer nothing new to support the record as anything worth giving your time to but these 11 tracks are some of the most stunning new age songs I've ever heard before. "Ode To Dolores Del Rio" reminds me of what Enigma used to be (before the changes of 'Voyageur', that is), but I've embarked on something really spectacular here and I must spread the word because I haven't heard anything as good or as original as this in a long while. Luna's sensual voice adds a wonderful touch to the already beautiful harmonies and everything synchronizes to compliment each other so please ignore any negative reviews because there shouldn't even be any!"
Takes you higher and higher
Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 03/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If music is a drug to some people than be careful because you might od from listening to this over and over again. Some music gets boring after awhile, especially from some of the "chill out" compilations but not to worry that that would happen here. I think it is the effect that B-Tribe music has on the human spirit; it is the calm after the storm. The music is hard to describe but it definitely has that otherworldly transendental feel, like floating on clouds to worlds unknown. Along the way angelic voices will come and go, combining with the rich electronic musings and stylish Spanish guitar solos, you are on a musical trip within the limitless boundaries of your imagination. There is a soothing fluidity to the music of B-Tribe, like a gentle wave of euphoria that takes over your body, beginning through your senses and enveloping your whole being. It is one of the coolest sounds around and ever so mellow. I like to listen to this disc while taking a morning walk along the local trails, the morning mist adds to the mystery of the sound, the clarity of the music is as sure as the sun rising over the mountains, the gentle thumping bass line is a metronome for my accelerated heart beat, the guitar licks move as swiftly as the river water flows to the city and B-Tribe moves me along observing nature from above, alongside and beyond. It is the song "Misterio"(Mystery), the Spanish sound of guitar and the evolution of a centuries old instrument and the gypsy spirit continuing its sojourn. The Arabic elements, the Asian influences and the Spanish all mesh together in an electronic rendering of spiritual world music that is better than most forays into world music.
" Mi Alma Espanol " is an extremely interesting piece that features the vocals of one, Susan Carrol, for a change of pace that takes you deeper into the cathedral within. Based on a Medieval theme by the twelfth-century nun, mystic and prophet , Hildegard of Bingen, the fusing of guitar and voice is blended with aural textures to create an ambience of another place and time. It is a knockout. This is one of those discs that sounds good most any time of day or night because it creates it's own mood, taking over whatever state of mind you might have been in before and flushing your whole being. It is higher music if you will, music for the soul that leaves you feeling refreshed. I would definitely recommend this disc for anyone that likes world music or Spanish chill out that is some of the most relaxing music being recorded today."
The Old B-Tribe is Back!
Mike | Chicago, IL United States | 03/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The old sounds of the B-Tribe (i.e., those from their first 2 albums) has returned! I almost didn't purchase "5" after being terribly disappointed in their last couple of records. This album, on the other hand, far exceeded my expectations. It is a combination of the styles used in their first two CDs. If you like Spanish Flamenco and the Enigma style of music, this is the CD for you."
Angelic voices
Erica Anderson | Minneapolis, MN | 12/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Over the weekend, I found a few cds at my favorite record store in the used cd bins that I really wanted to get and B-Tribe's "5" was one of those cds. The only other cd I own of B-Tribe's is "Fiesta Fiesta" but that really didn't leave much of an impact on me than a lot of cds I do find in the bins. "5" on the other hand is a better representation of B-Tribe. The album is filled with gentle melodies with lush vocals. I swear I can hear Faithless' "The Garden" (from "Sunday 8pm") wafting through "Anika". The melodies is quite similiar. Of course it is obvious that Delibes' "Flower Duet" is sampled on "Angelic Voices". The operatic vocals/melodies is all too familiar. The music on "5" would be ideal on any Buddha Bar/Chill Out in Paris compilation. I found the music to be very soothing and relaxing to listen to after a long day at the office. I particularly enjoyed listening to the songs with vocals provided by Luna. Luna has a very calming effect that I find comforting to listen to.All the songs on "5" are an absolute delight to listen to. I enjoyed every single song on the album, not one song I did not like."
BACK TO HIS ROOTS?
Carlos Zepeda | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | 11/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"German native and now Ibiza resident, Claus Zundel also known as B-TRIBE has done it again and so glad to hear that he has gone back to the roots of FIEST FATAL. On his latest creation titled 5 which is CD number 5, he has taking a bit of each and every one of his past creations, making this one a full B-TRIBE sound that is just amazing. Back are spanish flamenco guitars that seems to be crying out loud for the pain of a loved one or from life it self, electronic beats and ambient textures are back in full force with some opera & medieval them vocals make this a bit different from the past ones.There are not many vocals tracks featured here once again, but does have plenty of those lament vocals that are already a classic trademark of B-TRIBE sound.5 is about creating any type of mood and not just a certain one like in Sensual Sensual or Spiritual Spiritual. Enter the journey of B-Tribe and let the music guide you and not my review or others."