The New Sounds of the Venezuelan Gozadera (vinyl 2LP)

Newly reissued on Luaka Bop. Fresh, irreverent, and vigorous, Los Amigos Invisibles defy categorization. The band's base is rock en español with party attitude fueled by world-party verve. "Ultra-Funk" and "Mi Linda" throw the first hard punches with the message--this is dance-party music, mister, no milquetoasts allowed. Hard funk, rippling percussion, lounge licks, and more all come together nicely. There are even bossa nova grooves on the mellow "Las Lycras del Avila" and '70s funk rhythms on "Cachete a Cachete." The Venezuelan sextet breaks down barriers on the industry's maniacal need to pigeonhole music with this amalgam of rhythms, but the LP is easy listening. Charming, even after a dozen spins. --Ramiro Burr