Nacao Zumbi - Nacao Zumbi (CD)

All Music Guide

This selfentitled album, released by Nação Zumbi in 2002, is probably their most mature, focused and, ultimately, impressive effort until now. Although still very much in tone with the mangue beat format set out by the former lead singer of the group, Chico Science, their style is now much more consistent and effective than before. The name of the best track is "Meu Maracatu pesa uma tonelada" (which means "My Maracatu weighs a ton"), and that pretty much sums up the brutal power of that track, with its heavy electric guitars and even heavier maracatu drums. The groovy and laid back "Ogan di Bele" is also good. As usual, it is in the simple, straightforward moments that Nação Zumbi are at their best. And it's when they try to make profound comments on social issues and when they concentrate all their energy on trying to seem "cool" or "international" that they show their most unimpressive side.

- Philip Jandovský, All Music Guide