Customer Reviews

Bloque

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was pleased to discover this band when my own group (Babaloo) was booked to open for them. They manage to take the energy of rocknroll and dispense with the cliched rock rhythms that caused me to first explore Latin music. The vocals are terrific and ensemble work is amazing, creating atmospheric space one moment, a powerful thundering the next, and an wonderful interweaving of parts on their salsa outings. Note that they have the courage to doo all of these in the same song. A special treat is their beautiful reinterpretation of the Peregoyo Y Su Combo Vacana classic, "La Pluma," that paying tribute to their predecessors on the Columbian music scene all while presenting their own unique vision.

It's definitely Latin, but you can't limit it as such. There are elements of rock, blues, funk, hip hop, psychedelia, and a little bit of that andean flute to add a curiously soft edge to the harder grooves. But don't think that they're trying to cover too many styles--they're not. Amazingly enough, they pull it off and these incredibly varied songs seem to flow seamlessly. And if you listen to it and think that you like some songs less than others...give those songs a second try. You will discover something different about each song each time you listen.

I discovered Bloque because of a David Byrne article that mentioned them. The article was about how the idea of "world music" is silly, because a) how can you possibly lump all the world's music not from the US and UK into one category? and b) the idea of world music implies that there's "authenticity" in the traditional sound of a particular country, which should never change.

Bloque was mentioned in the article as a band that blows gaping holes in this view of things, and do they ever. This record is loud, brash, energetic, a delightful mish-mosh of disparate genres, and doesn't quite fit on any shelf of the music store but would be much more at home in the rock section than the "world" one. I don't know a word of Spanish so I've no idea what they're singing about but it doesn't matter. Music is music and it's good.

The one complaint I have with this record is that it sort of loses steam in the latter stages. I'm a big believer in albums, particularly debut albums, being shorter, not longer. Shave a couple tracks off the second half of this disc and it would get more spins in my player than it does. But the first half in particular is dynamite. Especially given how cheaply this is selling right now, I recommend that jump on that and get this disc.

A great mixture of colombian rythms with rock...a unique style, with an excellent interpretation... I've heard great groups, but after this, there is nothing left to hear... You have to hear it, to believe that different musical alternatives can be done, and really good. The best part, is that they are all Colombians!!!!

I read about Bloque in Rolling Stone and I had to hear what all the rave was about. I am happy I did!!!!! I now have a few of my friends also listening to Bloque. My favorites- Nena, Danio en el Banio, Sin Largrimas. I can't wait to hear more of Bloque in the future. This is one band I would love to see in person!

I read about Bloque in Rolling Stone and I had to hear what all the rave was about. I am happy I did!!!!! I now have a few of my friends also listening to Bloque. My favorites- Nena, Danio en el Banio, Sin Largrimas. I can't wait to hear more of Bloque in the future. This is one band I would love to see in person!

This is great stuff for anyone who loves both rock and latin rhythms. Both the musicians and vocalists are excellent. If you are tired of the typical rock scene, as I am, you may find listening to this both refreshing and revitalizing.

With the mixture of rock en espanol, jazz, and salsa one can't help but to love this album. Even if you may not understand the language the music alone ignites energy and passion for this musical talent.

Bloque are the most innovative Latin alternative group I've heard in a long time. This record is definitely worth picking up - they're also amazing live.

Bloque de busqueda's (The real name of this group) International version CD is excellent, I already had the Colombian version (Named $5.000.0000) but I was blowed away with the adds to this CD. It is a must if you want to see the future of rock. I have seen them live too, and they are definitevily a treat!