Electric guitarist Guilherme Monteiro is one of a large cast
that makes up Forro in the Dark, a band that combines Brazilian music with just
about anything else to get a very interesting percussion-heavy, rhythmic dance
music. “Uluwati” opens the album with fun sounding guitar and percussion. There
is a sound reminiscent John Zorn’s exotica band The Dreamers, with their floating
sound and slinky percussion. Sparks and smears of cool guitar play off against
flute and percussion to create a very interesting and alluring sound. There is
a fast and exciting beat that drives
“Life
is Real only Then When I Am” developing into a very nice rhythm for flute, bass
and shiny guitar to get everybody moving on a very danceable tune. “Sunset
Surfer” filters the likes of The Ventures and Dick Dale though a Brazilian lens
opening with a brief electronic dance snippet before moving into a sultry and
humid section of guitar and percussion. The percussionists are light, fast and
nimble, moving the music forward with a subtle grace that is perfect to
accompany guitar and flute. Thumping bass, percussion and pulverizing guitar
imbue the cinematic “Zavebe” with the cool feel of a 1970’s grindhouse film
score. Baritone saxophone pulsates underneath it all with snarling guitar for some
wonderfully sleazy fun. “Tempo de Festa” employs a more pinched sounding guitar
as the music moves back into the street for a spontaneous party feel. There are
shades of accordion pumping the music forward in the company of powerful bass.
“Annabel” is a short blast of rocking guitar and melodic saxophone, with
handclaps adding to the percussive furor and strong guitar riffing. This is fun
party music, not a serious beard-scratching affair. It would be a blast to see
this band playing an outdoor festival, because their all-inclusive blend of
music would be sure to get the audience up and moving.
Forro in the Dark Plays Zorn - amazon.com
