Los Amigos Invisibles' - Commercial

The New York-based Venezuelan disco band emerges after a three year absence with a disc that explores all the musical influences that they have picked up over their career. The disc sounds like a collection of singles – a concept the group came up with when they realized that few fans listen to entire albums these days.

Two examples of this are “Sueño Erotico,” an all-out disco tune reminiscent of their 2004 hit “Yo No Se,” and “Plastic Woman,” a ’70s funk-inspired tune that pokes fun at the obsession that some people have with cosmetic surgery. Other cool moments include “In Love With U,” an English-language lounge track with a clever arrangement centered on José Luis Pardo's effect-laden guitar, and “Mentiras,” the very danceable lead single.

But not every tune is aimed solely for clubbers: For instance, on “Oyeme Nena” they mostly drop the synthesizers and other artificial effects for a downtempo salsa filled with plenty of percussion and harmonies. Even more interesting is “Es La Verdad,” a samba (!) with a clear Rio de Janeiro vibe. Another highlight is “Burudanga,” a mostly instrumental track with a slight Afrobeat feel.

The disc also shows that Los Amigos have a sense of humor – in between tracks there is some radio-like narration, playful chatter and - at the end of the light-jazz “Loco Por Tu Amor” there is the sound of interference from a cellphone – the kind that sometimes you get when your phone rings too close to a TV or sound system. Commercial is intended to expand the group's fan base by incorporating and embracing different genres and making them their own – it is also the ultimate party CD, highly suitable for those impromptu outdoor moments that characterize each summer.

Los Amigos Invisibles is embarking on a national tour to promote their new disc – dates include a stop at Celebrate Brooklyn on July 10 (opening for Aterciopelados) as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference.

Label: Nacional Records
Release Date: 05/26/09

-Ernest Barteldes

http://beta.amigosinvisibles.com/