Mexican Institute Of Sound is essentially the brainchild of Camilo Lara, though there are numerous collaborators and guest vocalists on Piñata. This is the second record from the “group”, and should see them making some reasonable strides towards the mainstream.
Lara is, unsurprisingly, a Mexican native, and the album is soaked in sampled mariachi horns. The most obvious reference point is The Avalanches; Lara has the same ear for a crafty sample, and an unerring ability to meld disparate source material into a dazzling and unique whole.
The second track, ‘Escribeme Pronto’, kicks off a delightful stretch of sustained excellence, with its helium-treated soul vocals and perky hip-hop scratching. ‘El Microfono’ is a little more sedate, but no less enjoyable – the Latino rapping has a rich, laid-back flow, and goes down easier than a cold bottle of Corona with lime. By contrast, the MC-ing on ‘Para No Vivir Desperado’ has a peculiarly operatic feel, which complements the song’s squelching groove and funky piano rolls.
‘A Todos Ellos’ is a compelling sonic detour: the track basically consists of a list of famous names (mainly belonging to musicians) recited by an American gentleman, over a relaxed, trip-hoppy groove. Simple in theory, deliciously catchy in practice.
None of the remaining songs quite manage to capture the imagination – but Piñata may yet prove to be a grower. Either way, Lara has taken a big step forward with this sophomore effort, and could soon be riding the crest of a (Mexican) wave.