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Formed as a Latin ska/punk
band in Mexico City in the early ‘90s, Los de Abajo didn't release an
album until David Byrne put out their eponymous 1998 debut on his
Luaka Bop label — though they'd become famous in Mexico and beyond as
one of the best live bands of their generation and one of the most
politically committed, with their support of the Zapatistas and their
outspoken anti-globalization stance.
Their 2003 follow-up, Cybertropic Chilango Power, won the BBC Radio 3
Award for World Music and they caused a sensation on tour with their
amazingly energetic, ecstatic live performances.
"Call it Tropipunk, file it under Explosive. It's the sound of the
future, get used to it." — Mojo
This third album — their Real World debut — captures the excitement
and sheer dazzling musicianship of their live shows. Produced by Nick
and Neil from Temple of Sound and TransGlobal Underground, it explodes
with the wildly varied styles and fusions of the LDA repertoire. From
the cool hip-hop of the opening track, to the brassy salsa of Mi
Candela, with polka, mariachi and the ever present ska influences,
this album is a celebration of Latin sounds and rhythms. The
mariachi-meets-ska reworking of the old Fun Boy 3 song, The
Lunatics (Have Taken Over the Asylum), features an inspired guest
appearance from original Fun Boy Neville Staples.
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