Futura

After the tragic and premature death of Naçao Zumbi's former bandleader, Chico Science, in 1996, most people thought that that would be the end of the band. But after a somewhat hesitant and uncertain start, the new, post-Chico formation of ... Full DescriptionNaçao Zumbi found its way and re-emerged as one of the most creative and exciting bands of Brazil. Slick, modern surf rock with a distinct psychedelic touch is the new element on this album. And more than before, the organic instruments of the band are mixed with electronic beats and sophisticated sonic details. The most obvious example of this is the dazzling "Expresso da Eletrica Avenida," where the beeping and whistling keyboard seems to compete with the Game Boy beats and the heavily racing electric guitar. The psychedelic surf influence is most apparent on the two opening tracks, "Hoje, Amanha e Depois" and "Na Hora de Ir," with the lead guitar seemingly brought to the Brazilian 21st century straight from the Californian '60s. Compared to earlier albums, the hip-hop influence plays a much smaller roll here. If Futura lacks anything, it is some of the raw power and weight of the previous, eponymous album. But at the same time, the potential power of the band is always lurking around the corner. Naçao Zumbi just chose not to use all of it this time around.