SOLAR GAMBLING

For this project- yet another this year from the Energizer conejito that is Omar Rodriguez-Lopez- the listener is treated to some relatively simplistic pop-rock songs with outstanding female lead vocals. Unfortunately, Rodriguez-Lopez's mindset during the making of this album must've been something like, "Okay, so we've got these great Spanish pop-rock songs...now let's make them progressive by adding experimental noises and manipulating the tracks during the last minute or two." Sometimes I wish he would just let well enough alone and stop screwing with excellence.

"Locomocion Capilar" There's no usual messing around with experimental sounds in the beginning- just an impressive, strong opening with a great riff. The feminine vocals soar and take some getting used to. All in all, this is a satisfying start.

"Las Flores Con Limón" Tremolo guitar plays a few lonely chords and notes as a quiet voice surfaces. The silky vocals are more enjoyable here than they were on the opener.

"Colmillo Castrado" Light electric guitars create a delicate bit of music. It gives way some sort of constant buzzing sound, like what the drag strip used to sound like several miles from my friend's house many years ago.

"Un Buitre Amable Me Pico" Here's a song with a solid, funky rhythm. The vocals are extremely good, and ultimately, this is a great little song.

"Poincaré" The previous song suddenly gives way, and what remains is a gentle piano and a gorgeous vocal. It is similar in sound to Natalie Merchant or Sarah McLachlan (with a few Rodriguez-Lopez tricks added toward the end, of course).

"Los Tentáculos De La Libélula" For a couple of minutes, the mad scientist takes some elegant, light music and mutates it into something with a hideous snarl.

"Miel Del Ojo" This slow rock song has a low and sultry vocal. It too is eventually given the treatment of a noisy static wash.

"Lorentz" Piano, bass, and occasional electronic noises carry on in a slightly discordant but not unpleasant manner.

"Vasco Da Gama" A glorious final song, this has an excellent opening theme and exceptional vocals from Ximena Sarinana Rivera to follow. Here, she sounds a fair bit like the beloved Portuguese singer Astrud Gilberto. The background, similar to a Mellotron but not, has quite a bit of wow and flutter that somehow works to the advantage of the overall performance.