Despite occasional periods of popularity in the United States, Latin music remained largely unnoticed by the mainstream until its latest resurgence during the mid- to late-'90s, when documentary films like Buena Vista Social Club and pop artists like
Enrique Iglesias brought the music into the U.S. limelight. Another resurgence in Latin music has occurred in electronica, as producers such as
Ian Pooley with his album Since Then began digging into the Latin sound. Combining bossa nova with jazz and house elements, Philip Cohen Solal and Christoph H. Mueller (aka
the Boyz from Brazil) are two more producers who capture and merge the Latin sound with electronica. Little is known about the duo in English-speaking countries; however, tracks from their self-titled debut CD are being played around the world by DJs including the likes of
John Acquaviva on his Skills DJ mix release.
The Boyz' debut features two CDs, the second with only four tracks including the duo's club hit "Chica Chica Boom Chic." The first disc has eight tracks, all of which are pretty good although Solal and Mueller often go overboard with their use of samples rather than let the well-done instrumentals have their deserved glory. The Boyz from Brazil's weak points occur when the Latin sound is stripped away and the electronic elements and samples come on too strong. However, this two-CD set is a firm, soulful, and well-noticed debut from both Solal and Mueller; hopefully it will lead to even stronger music efforts in the future. ~ Diana Potts