P18
Urban Cuban (Higher Octave World)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Keyboardist Tom Darnal of the multi-nationally influenced French band, Mano Negra, founded this fascinating group with DJ Sree in what began as a bit of goofing around with samples and electronic beats. Today P18 is a breath of much needed fresh air in about three genres, especially electronica, which needs such a breath every few months or it goes stale. Darnal's love for Cuban music led him to experiment with melding samples, live instruments, electronic and acoustic drums, and he wound up with something fascinating that is compelling on several levels. The passion of Latin music, the enchanting vibe of electronica and the exotic element of the French perspective come together beautifully, creating something brand new. Darnal calls it "electropical music," which works just fine for me. Though the vibe at the root of the music, which steers and accelerates, is firmly in the electronica camp, the surrounding ornaments change constantly; a mariachi-inspired trumpet, a jazz-inflected sax, acoustic congas, and even mystic chants. The rhythms can veer from psycho-intense electronic drumming to hypnotic ska in seconds. The elements of "electropical" have now been loosely defined by Darnal and company a most exciting way. Where can they take it from here? Stay tuned.

© 2000 - DJ Johnson