Afrolaito

Former Ojos de Brujo singer Marina Abad – who rebranded herself Marinah since going solo in 2013 – has continued to explore the Catalonian band's urban mix of rumba, reggae and flamenco, with stabs of Afro-Latin rhythm. Afrolaito opens with ‘Guayo’, a sunny, upbeat song that for moments could almost be a Julio Iglesias beach hit but with brief Cuban breaks. From here on in she's on more familiar ground, with the treated vocals, social message and likeable but somewhat lukewarm tracks. These include a reggae song ‘Medio Plan’, featuring Spanish pop star Lamari de Chambao, and ‘Esperanzah’, featuring a slinky rap by Barcelona-based MCs Lágrimas de Sangre. Other invitees include several ex-Ojos de Brujo band members and the guitarist Chichuelo, with whom she released an album two years ago.
There's nothing really new, or outstanding on Afrolaito, Marinah's second solo outing. But anyone who is coming to this release without having heard Ojos de Brujo will surely respond warmly to its vivacity, rippling beats and the occasional mean blasts of brass.