palabras ROB PEREZ

A lot will be said of Aterciopelados new album, Rio, as being the band’s most socially conscious album to date. But what also should be noted is lead singer’s Andrea Echeverri’s voice sounds much more mature, livelier, while bassist and producer Hector Buitrago sleek musical production on Rio is flawless.

Rio follows the band’s Grammy winning Oye, and the album is destined to be the band’s most powerful statement yet. Combining Aterciopelados’ signature, Latin-fused alt rock, with their socially conscious lyrics, Rio is a more active call to arms. From songs ranging to the environment (“Rio”), to immigration (“Banderas”), Aterciopelados take more of a stance than they ever have on any previous album, almost demanding that the needs of the people come first. Rio gives the people a voice.

Although Rio has a political tilt, there’s a lot of creativity as well, with the album sprinkled with a bit of Hip-Hop (“28”), to Andean beats (“Madre”). Even Andrea’s first child makes an appearance on the track, “Ataque de Risa.”

Always political, always social, but also always fun to listen to, Rio is Aterciopelados’ way of setting the bar higher for all socially conscious Latin rockers!

Aterciopelados Rio in stores on October 21, 2008.