Few groups can make everyday life in Mexico seem like a party more than
Banda Carnaval. No matter how gritty, dreary, tragic, or mundane, these musicians from Mazatlan in Sinaloa infuse all of their corridos with street savvy and a swaggering cocky attitude that finds and even expresses joy.
Puros Corridos, a celebration of the song form itself, is the group's fifth studio album since 2009. As evidenced by the sophisticated singles "El Prisionero de la Celda 909" and "Hermosa y Brillante,"
Banda Carnaval never shy away from the most difficult of contemporary topics, even on a historical album. Other highlights include "Poncho Tirado," with its knotty tuba arrangement, and the brief but poignant "Cuando Vaya Pa' Mi Tierra."