Exploding out of Mexico City, Cybertropic Chilango Power is this madcap collective's second set for David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. The band's recent nomination in the first BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards has pushed them further forward, though these Chilangos (denizens of Mexico City) have now been together for a decade. The world at large had to wait until 1998 for the eponymous debut album, Los De Abajo's early efforts circulating via the local cassette underground. The band name means "those from below", a reference to their politically activist leanings as supporters of the crusading Zapatista movement. Besides having a bullish lyrical content, the music reeks of unhealthy fun, set to fire up fans of Ozomatli, Manu Chao or even Los Lobos. The salsa, son, cumbia and Mexican trad elements are vibrated in sympathy with hip hop, reggae, ska, funk and electro. Their signature sound drips with saucy trumpet innuendo and Liber Teran's vocals range from raspy rap to harmonious Latino. Stretchy bass intermarries with stalking piano, a reggae bounce alternates with speedy salsa and the hardcore Mexican content is provided by mad street band interludes and a flighty episode with harp and small jarana guitar. --Martin Longley
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