Contigo Para Siempre finds the extremely popular duranguense group
Conjunto Atardecer recovering from the death of their drummer, Roberto Villa, who was murdered by Mexican gangsters on March 23, 2009. He wasn't targeted -- instead, the 24-year-old was caught in a case of mistaken identity, which makes the track dedicated to him, "El Compa Beto," all the more heartbreaking. Check the furious percussion that embellishes the opening "Enamorado por Primera Vez," and it's obvious that Villa has forever left his mark on the group. Much of the rest of the album is similarly driven, with the closing "El Celular (El Presumido)" being especially rousing -- proof that the band's trademark fills and elaborate, often amusing arrangements will not suffer at these increased speeds. A worthy tribute to Villa,
Contigo Para Siempre is one of the most stimulating albums in the band's large discography. ~ David Jeffries