World music cd review

Phil Johnson
Sunday 12 November 2000 01:00 GMT
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LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES | Arepa 3000 (Luaka Bop)

LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES | Arepa 3000 (Luaka Bop)

How refreshing it is to encounter a "world music" album where the customary notion of honourable primitivism is given the old heave-ho in favour of stuff far more sophisticated than our own sadly depleted pop. This Venezuelan combo are as sly and knowing as you could wish for, like a South American version of the Pet Shop Boys, and their penchant for chic-style grooves, complete with disco-era syn-drums, is quite irresistible. Spanish raps, extended old-school synthesiser workouts, and gentle, insinuating rhythm figures make for a top party album in any language. And there's nary an ethnic-print trouser or handmade shoe in sight.

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