Ozomatli

Embrace the Chaos

(Interscope)

Don’t let the title scare you, Ozomatli’s sophomore release, “Embrace The Chaos,” is anything but chaotic.

It has been three years since the Los Angeles band released its self-titled debut, but the new album is worth the wait.

Unfortunately, I don’t speak Spanish, so I don’t understand half of the lyrics on the album, but that doesn’t make a difference. There is an energy delivered through the music that makes knowing the lyrics as obsolete as knowing the chords band members are playing.

Ozomatli is a funky merge of Latin and hip-hop music that demands a dance floor. The combination of salsa and samba rhythms accented by the occasional twist of a turntable and talented horn section completes the band’s original sound.

Ozomatli is known for its support of political and humanitarian causes, and this is heard in the lyrics. But the band includes these lyrics subtly, so as not to take away focus from the music.

“Embrace the Chaos” is highlighted with appearances by Medusa, Will I Am of Black Eyed Peas and Posdnous and Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul. Although the entire album is solid and varied, my favorite tracks are those on which there is hip-hop interspersed.

“1234” and “Vocal Artillery” are some of the strongest tracks on the album, mixing salsa dance with turntable scratches and sound raps by De La Soul and Will I Am and Medusa. If you’re anticipating hearing Ozomatli on the radio soon, you’re most likely to hear one of these dynamic songs.

Overall, Ozomatli offers a great mix of multicultural and intelligent tracks. If you’re looking for an up-tempo album with plenty to offer and nothing to lose, “Embrace the Chaos” is probably for you.