It is coincidental, I'm sure, that Chancha Via Circuito (young Argentinian producer Pedro Canale)'s Rio Arriba has echoes of b-Tribe, Boozoo Bajou and Bill Laswell's Cuban excursions. (It also fits well with Federico Aubele's Berlin 13 in the mix). This is a primal, percussion-based set that takes off with the first track and only loosens its grip at the end. There is plenty of clever creativity in between, most of it danceable in a more natural way. Canale eschews bps for intriguing interplay in the rhythm section, pitting singers male and female disembodied in their native tongues, bass loops and runs that snake through the loud native drums, with just enough quirky guitar, keyboard and effects to let you in on the fun. There is much to like here, and enough of it has staying power, though I'm not sure I'd crown it a masterpiece...yet.