Congadar is a Brazillian collective that grabs whatever sound fits the moment. There are plenty of Brazillian rhythms and ideas (the album title translates to I Learn From My Ancestors), but the end result is a lot more like latter-day Los Lobos, with plenty of rock (and even prog) influences predominating as well.

Congadar Aprendi Com Meus Antepassados (self-released)

As such, this album wanders around sonically, never quite sitting in a groove. I like the wanderlust, and I also like the way Congadar always seems to be reaching for just a little bit more. The band's ambition is palpable, and it pays off handsomely throughout.

The easiest “local” influences are the drums. No matter what style Congadar is riffing on, there's plenty of percussion. That keeps these songs propulsive, and it also serves as the tonal center. When in doubt, the band always returns to the beat. That's rarely a bad idea.

On the whole, this could be mistaken for an American rock band just off a long South American sojourn. Congador translates easily to American ears (even the title isn't that hard to suss out), but it always keeps the back door open for its roots. An always-engaging ramble.

Jon Worley