CD Review: Aterciopelados - Oye

Mention the words "rock" and "Latin America" together and there's no doubt that Colombia's premier rock group, Aterciopelados, will come to mind. Although I have to add that it's difficult to label Aterciopelados a rock group, because they're just as persuasive at pop, alt-rock, Colombian grass roots music and fusions in between.

Oye is their first studio album in five years and once again the band surprises with less electronica, more native instruments and a couple of tunes that are straight from native Colombian traditions. Who would have thought that those flutes, drums and droning effects would sound so good when mixed with more contemporary rhythms and instruments?

Well, they do sound great. And with the bonus of wonderful vocals from Andrea Echeverri, Oye is pure listening pleasure.