Ojos de Brujo are a dynamic, self-supported collective that make no secret of their strong Gypsy and Spanish flamenco heritage. Reflecting their roots as a Barcelona-based jam session band, they add members and bring in collaborators quite freely. In a sense, it works with their cultural spirit and it shows in their sound. Their second full-length album "Techari" means 'free' in the Gyspsy language and it wanders through deep flamenco grooves, mixed with hip-hop, Cuban music and a wide range of other styles. Though modern techniques are hard at work here, Ojos de Brujo's sound is above all respectfully traditional.

1. Color
2. Sultanas de Merkaillo
3. Todo Tiende
4. Runali
5. El Comfort no Reconforta
6. Tanguillos Marineros
7. Silencio
8. No Somos Máquinas
9. Bailaores
10. Corre Lola Corre
11. Feedback
12. Piedras vs. Tanques
13. Respira
14. Nana

You can't have Flamenco music without guitar, and that is supplied here by the bands central figure, Ramón Giménez. Among the collaborations on Techari is work with Asian Dub Foundation's Prithpal Rajput, Cuban pianist Roberto Carcassés, who appears alongside respected flamenco guitarist Pepe Habichuela, and trés/flamenco guitarist Raúl Rodriquez. Returning the favor of having ODB work on two songs of his album "Philtre", the group also collaborates with Nitin Sawhney.

In ways Ojos de Brujo remind me of an experimental electronic, flamenco art band called Von Magnet, though ODB's sound is far less avant garde and far less electronic. It's the freedom and energy in their arrangements that makes them similar.

The sound of Ojos de Brujo easily lends itself to theatrics and could certainly make itself a lush backdrop to the surreal productions of Cirque du Soleil. The theatrical component in their music has certainly put the bands live shows in many people's top five lists.

Spanish and gyspy styles are the most prevalent throughout Techari but you'll also hear jazz, as well as some nice near eastern rhythms and instrumentation, from dhol drums to droning. At times they bring in hip-hop elements, but those aren't a favorite for this reviewers ears. Songs like "Sultanas De Merkaillo" demonstrate the bands strongest sound. "Tanguillos Marineros" and "Corre Lola Corre" are two nice ones that bring in a little Cuban flavor, mixing it seamlessly with ODB's Spanish roots. At times you'll notice their use of synthesized sounds, and others they scratch guitar into the rhythm, but for the most part, the instrumentation is traditional.

Ojos de Brujo are definitely going to take your mind and feet (if they can rock the flamenco grooves) to the heart of Barcelona. The city they call home is well known as one of Europe's foremost cultural melting pots, and for this reason you're not likely to fall in love with every song, but as you listen, your respect for the bands musicianship is going to grow. If you start with only one song, make it either "Corre Lola Corre" or "Sultanas De Merkaillo".

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