Bondallica
Brazilians Bondo Do Role have been causing something of a stir since they signed to UK label Domino. They mix rock with baile funk apparently and no, I don't know what that means either but I do know what it sounds like and after my first spin of 'Danca do Zumbi' I can tell you that it's nuts but it's fucking great! Rock guitar with dance beats and a wicked vocal track with a Latin feel, it's catchy as hell and impossibly infectious.
There are only three of them in the band, Pedro D'Eyrot, Marina Vello and DJ/MC Rodrigo Gorky but the sound never sounds empty, being filled with all manner of backing tracks and effects. The first three tracks follow a similar formula and are all equally catchy, including 'Solta O Frango', which has already been used in adverts and featured on Ugly Betty. The second single 'Office Boy' is perhaps just a little more commercial, following a more conservative riff and structure but not too much!
What's great about this album is that most of the tracks are under three minutes in length (& in some cases less than two!), meaning you have no chance of getting bored or of the band sounding repetitive. There are elements of everything going on here from rapping vocals on tracks like 'Marina do Bairro' to solid dance beats on 'Divine Gosa'. The other great thing about it is that although all the songs are sung in their native tongue, it makes no difference to the feel or enjoyment and in many cases even enhances it. True enough you might find them a little much after a few listens and despite not being able to understand most of the lyrics you get the feeling that there's not too much depth to them. Some of the tracks are weaker, like the subdued 'Quero te Amar' but the beats are solid, guaranteed to get any party dancing and I bet they're great live! Take it for what it is, pick the right time and it's all good fun.
Final track 'Bondallica' is (so I read) an attack on metal and makes several references to Slipknot, Manowar and Bruce Dickinson. Despite the big metal riff that opens it alas the rest is lost on the average UK listener who doesn't understand Portugese, I shouldn't think any of the aforementioned will be too bothered.