Mixing Latin, funk, hip-hop, rock, jazz and everything else but the kitchen sink, Delta Nove fuses all these genres together for the happy, groovy "Get On Down" that is very warm, summery and inviting. It also seems to gel quite well despite the myriad of styles blended into one. From there, Delta Nove change course with the ska-heavy "Hard Times" that slows things down slightly. Ska is also easily heard during the homestretch of the otherwise lethargic "Bongo Bong." A couple of songs are obviously of the jam band quality, particularly the laid-back, hippie-ish "Frog N' Toad." Early on, the album is consistent with the loose and freewheeling Latin-flavored "Maraca Eu (Maraca Tu)" that falls somewhere between Sublime and the Black Crowes with some great horn solos added for good measure. Delta Nove shine during the flute-led "Sighing and Waiting" which is in no hurry to conclude. The mellow and lengthy title track is more tedious than it is enjoyable. The biggest obstacle the band has is trying to put a new face on what is basically the same feel throughout, resulting in "Giacomo" being seven winding (and at times agonizing) minutes long. The number is similar to something Santana might create with his large supporting cast behind him. The album's worst song has to be the swinging, Dixieland-oriented "Don't Burn the Beans." Shorter instrumentals such as the percussion-fuelled "Liberdade" bring to mind Paul Simon's "The Obvious Child" with its tight, hypnotic and intricate drum precision.
© Jason MacNeil /TiVo