Brincantes

I often feel weary when faced with collaborations between Europeans and Brazilians when the accordion-led rhythm of forró is mentioned, as the result is often an hour of non-stop accordion gesticulating. This is the case on opening track ‘Chapéu do Maori’ here, where a hyperactive accordion leads the band on a Balkan-esque groove. Thankfully, a deft bass line and strangely pleasing synth squeaks mark it out as a forró fusion of note. Better yet, the tracks that follow it take the group – who comprise five Belgians and four Brazilians – deeper into Brazil, through north-eastern rhythms such as coco and maracatu to Afro-Brazilian capoeira and umbanda chants, as well as dipping into ska, swing and plenty of Balkan tangents.
The result is a multicultural celebration of rhythm and song that reveals a transatlantic group of musicians who clearly enjoy exploring each other's musics. Whether giving ska a funhouse makeover on ‘Kassket Ska’ or marrying indigenous flutes with ominous electronica on ‘Vitos Beat’, the overarching feel is of a cross between Afro Celt Sound System's multi-layered worldbeat and the diasporic pop Gilberto Gil was making in the 80s.