With a Latino kaleidoscope of instrumentation and influence, it’s hard to pin Máximo down. A flurry of congas, timbales, and drum kit point in one direction, and rollicking flutter of the accordion and smooth vocal approach point in yet another. At the end of the day, 2006′s Suéñame is as mexicano as the artist’s Stetson and cowboy boots. Máximo chooses from a palette as wide and open as the gaping blue skies of his homeland, including banda, conjunto, Latin pop, cumbia, reggae, and a host of others. The effect is a pleasingly enigmatic tapestry, sure to engage the imagination of the listener. The sonic scape of Suéñame is somewhat opaque and compressed. Lacking the sparkle and shine of some of its contemporaries, thanks in part to dated synth sounds, the record lends itself toward rustic charm rather than urbane sophistication. However, each song shows such strong craftsmanship and careful arrangement that Máximo’s creative voice shines through effortlessly. Serving as both bass player and lead singer, Máximo’s ever-shifting groove and suavely understated vocal stylings make for one of the genre’s (if it’s possible to peg him as just one) most promising new artists. – Evan C. Gutierrez
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