Charanga Cakewalk

"Chicano Zen"; Triloka

3 stars out of 4

Charanga Cakewalk mastermind Michael Ramos is having a lot of fun, and it rubs off. His Latino electro-traditional blend feels more sprightly and lively than his debut two years ago, which sounded more like experimentation. By contrast, this disc is warm and welcoming. Almost every track on "Chicano Zen" has a memory or impression that inspired it, whether the smell of the mimosa tree or Mexican movies at the drive-in theater. You don't have to share the impressions to share the sense of savory pleasure conveyed in the slinky tiptoeing on the title track or the smirking pout of "No Soy Feliz," an absolutely dreamy song about love's hurts sung by Tejano star Ruben Ramos and folk singer Patty Griffin.

RIYL: Mexican Institute of Sound, Gotan Project

-- Jeff Gifford, Reno Gazette-Journal