Not many people heard Ozomatli’s 1998 debut, but those who did loved its fearless blend of hip-hop, Latin rhythms, jazz, and rock. There was a long wait between that record and its 2001 successor, Embrace the Chaos, and while that prolonged gestation period may have not resulted in a radical new direction for the collective, it did give them time to grow. They’re still working from the same basic template, but their results are richer and fuller than before, as their various influences come together seamlessly. In other words, they sound more themselves then ever, and while that still might bring them to a larger audience, those who do bother to seek this out — especially those who find classic Latin jazz as intoxicating as alternative hip-hop — will find this to be a thoroughly engaging, distinctive listen. – Stephen Thomas Erlewine
more »