Gorgeous Grooves
A slick combination of funky rhythms and party rhythms, all spelt out by a flurry of samba percussion and rocking guitars, Ozomatli are ready to impress from the offset; this is what Red Hot Chili Peppers might sound like if they lived in the ghetto for 20 years.
Opener 'Can't Stop' is a real genre bender, it's truly impossible to pigeon hole as one minute there's a neat rap kicking off and the next there's a grungy rock feel, with an insistent Latino rhythm throughout. Even hot guitar solos are also no stranger to Ozomatli, as the impromptu jamming in 'City Of Angels' proves, evoking memories of Carlos Santana's fiery style.
There are some more laidback grooves too, such as the simmering 'After Party' and title track 'Don't Mess With The Dragon' with its lazy, upbeat reggae vocals. Blaring horns stir up the frenzied, 'Magnolia Soul', which is far from the rather bland colour of the title, infact most of 'Don't Mess With The Dragon' would be coloured various shades of hot red and tasty, spicy orange.
Even if the hip hop snippets aren't your thing, there's enough whoops and smooth jazzy licks to keep you listening; at worst you'll be unimpressed, but at best you'll be converted! There's a gorgeous Spanish salsa in the form of, 'La Gallina', which will soon have you stomping around the room like a matador! 'La Temperatura' is the next delicious Spanish offering with another carnival atmosphere created by breakneck vocals, hastily-picked guitars and a great backing chant that really makes you feel like you're in the middle of a crazy conga line strutting your stuff. 'When I Close My Eyes' could be a Latino version of any hardcore rock band with furious beats and lyrics like, "Inside I'm screaming, my chest is about to burst, I feel so powerless against this metal prison", it rocks out into a thrashing chorus. Bored and uninspired rock bands take note!
'Don't Mess With The Dragon' is definitely a summer party album; the ideal choice for a barbecue or gathering of friends who may have different tastes as music, as Ozomatli are sure to go down well with everyone, in fact there's nothing not to like in these cool beats. Open up your musical horizons and get your feet moving to this wonderfully varied album.