OCOTE SOUL SOUNDS SHOW US HOW A COCONUT CAN ROCK

Ocote Soul Sounds: The Revolt Of The Cockroach People + Cara de Yo No Fui (Ancient Astronauts Remix)
From Coconut Rocks (Deluxe Edition) (ESL Music, 2009)

Antibalas founder Martin Perna and Adriana Quesada of Grupo Fantasma have once again come together as Ocote Soul Sounds. Their latest album “Coconut Rock,” most recently released today in a digital-only deluxe form (the standard version can still be found at your local music store), finds their blend of various stylings really turning up the heat. Tacked on to the end of the standard album are 5 remixes of the standard version's original mixes.

From the opening baritone sax lines that repeat its catchy riff in “The Revolt Of The Cockroach People,” your ears have been prepared for the next hour or so. Fans of the El Michels Affair or the Menahan Street Band will immediately put this track on repeat as it has a spunk about it that resonates well after its all-too-short 3 minutes is up.

The reggae rhythm of “Cara de Yo No Fui” gets the remix treatment courtesy of Ancient Astronauts, another member of the ESL Music family. The remix starts with a spaced-out feel as you're given a sense of stepping out of the spin cycle before the drums kick in and set you straight. Those drums, which are not in the original version, give the track a real sense of urgency that complements the reggae stabs very well.

The album is a great blend of instrumental prowess that, even aside from its accompanied vocals, more than stands on its own as an accomplished work. There's a fuzzed-out electric guitar on “Return Of The Freak,” the aforementioned baritone sax riff, and even a light flute that permeates throughout that show Perna and Quesada, along with their other 5 bandmates, aren't going to be restricted to one style or sound. We, the listeners, are the greatest benefactors of their gifts and hard work.