Search - Los De Abajo :: Lda V the Lunatics

Mexican Magic

Doug | Plymouth, UK | 11/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Short review: Los de Abajo V The Lunatics is a brilliant album from Central America's most exciting band which combines protest lyrics with ska, hip-hop and sultry Mexican folk music. The album will surprise many as it is an improvement on the band's superb last album Cybertropic Chilango Power (BBC World Music album of the Year for the Americas 2003). There is not a weak tune on this album and it will grow on you with every listen. Buy it.



Long review: Los de Abajo are The Underdogs (Mexican literally for `Those from Below'), whose fiery Mexican protest songs and superb musicianship have won them a huge world following during the past four years. The eight-person band, who formed in 1992, are open supporters of the Zapatista movement in Mexico which fights for equality, peace and the legal recognition of the country's indigenous people. Los de Abajo V The Lunatics is the third official album from the band and, as with their two previous efforts, the lyrics not only condemn their country's corrupt officials but also call on honest politicians to tackle poverty and give free expression to everyone.



Passionate lyrics, however, are not the main reason why you should buy this album. You should buy it because Los de Abajo V The Lunatics sees this highly-acclaimed band reach full maturity with strong vocals, tight band cohesion and a mastery of different styles, including ska, hip-hop, folk music, dub and tango. The album is produced by UK act Temple of Sound (who are renowned for their World festival parties) and as a result the mix is fresh and funky. Whereas the fantastic Cybertropic Chilango Power introduced the band to a worldwide fan base with its punky rhythms and raw outlook, Los de Abajo V The Lunatics is a far more confident affair. And whereas Cybertropic...brought the band's home city, Mexico City, alive with snatches of local life nestled in among the songs, Los de Abajo V The Lunatics ditches these samples and instead produces a sound that will rock festivals the world over. Coming on the back of some huge live performances (they stormed WOMADELAIDE 2003 in Australia with a set that had the audience po-going like a bunch of crazy meerkats), as well as major European airplay (they performed live on Jools Holland's BBC2 show in October 2005), the band were never going to fail in this respect.



As to the album itself: while Los de Abajo V The Lunatics seems a curious title to pick (raising fears of an `interesting' side project for the band or a remix album), on reflection it is an ideal choice. LDA have long regarded Madness and the Specials as key influences, and the band provides not only an excellent cover version in Mexican of The Lunatics have taken over the Asylum by Fun Boy Three, but also an English language bonus track with Specials/Fun Boy Three performer Neville Staples. As many people will know, The Lunatics have taken over the Asylum is about the idiots in government leading society astray, and this sits quite comfortably with LDA's own message regarding Mexico. There are no duff tracks on this album and even if you are a bit unsure at first, give it a few listens and you'll be delighted you bought it. My highlights are Track 1 `Resistencia' (a wistful effort featuring words by Zapatista Insurgent Commander Esther); Track 2 `Los Lunaticos' - the Mexican version of Fun Boy Three's hit which I think beats the original; Track 6 `De Marcha' - a rocking ska tune; Track 8 `Noche' - a lovely Mexican folk music arrangement; and Track 10 `Fan Fatal' - a funky Wild West shakedown!



Anyway, it's five stars for Los de Abajo V The Lunatics. Buy the album. See the band live. Why miss out on the funky sound of the Mexican underground, eh gringo?"