Gotan Project – Lunático

The Gotan Project’s second album, LUNATICO, sees them both following their runaway hit LA REVANCHE DEL TANGO with more tango-infused electronic music—although here, they embrace more diverse influences into their creations. “Amore Porteno” and Paris, Texas” has a laconic country twang to them that brings to mind Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti westerns, while “Celos” has the makings of a perfect torch song. “Mi Confesion” throws in a spitfire Spanish rap, and “Tango Cancion” is drenched in dub reverb. “Criminal” has some electro flourishes beneath its strings and harmonium, while “Domingo” goes for some tribal rhythms. Of course, they also stick to what they know: “Notas” and “Arrabal” are prototypical Gotan Project tracks through and through. But I feel as if this album isn’t as strong as their previous effort, and I believe the difference is a matter of songwriting. LA REVANCHE drew on established classics of tango, and reframing them in a modern context made the album exciting. While the songs here are strong, they don’t provide the same sense of surprise at hearing something familiar updated. Nonetheless, LUNATICO is a worthy successor to LA REVANCHE, and I’m eager to hear where the Gotan Project goes next.