Released in Feburary 2006, Techarí is available in a deluxe edition, which includes a CD-ROM featuring video of live performances, photos, and online extras. Ojos de Brujo describes their sound as a mix of flamenco and hip-hop, but their fourth CD proves that the band is much complex more than that.
Techarí: The Sound
"Color", the first track, is the perfect introduction to the Ojos de Brujo sound. The guitar lines and syncopated clapping are true flamenco, but the addition of scratching, cajóns, tabla, congas, and a punchy horn line gives the track a worldly sound unlike that of any other band.
The arrangements are complex but effortlessly executed, from the run of complex South Indian rhythms in the vocal and instrumental lines during "Feedback", to the unison stops and hits heavily featured in tracks like "No Somos Máquinas" and "Bailores".
Each song adds a modern, global spin to traditional flamenco. Lead singer Marina "la Canillas" Abad shows off her powerful, slightly husky voice on every track, and adds to the bands trademark hip hop sound with an impressive display of rapping on songs like "Todo Tiende".
The album is impeccably produced, but the live videos truly showcase the band's abilities. Fiery guitar licks, unison hand percussion, and rapid beat-boxing are melded together seamlessly, making this one of the most remarkable live bands in the world.
The Lyrics of Ojos de Brujo
Translated, Ojos de Brujo means "Eyes of the Sorcerer", which represents the band's desire to delve into the societal issues of their country. Much of the Spanish lyrics call for happiness despite poverty or social standing, with lines like "true wealth has no price: it can’t be bought nor sold" ("Sultanas de Merkaíllo") and "money changes hands, the winners stay the same, every day sees a new deception" ("El Confort No Reconforta- Comfort Brings No Consolation").
The band also makes political statements involving war and other issues. The song "Piedras Contra Tanques", meaning "Stones Against Tanks", pleads with leadership with the line "dear presidents, your people do not want to fight anymore...send your own sons to the front if you wish to win with arms."
Ojos de Brujo Members and Instrumentation
- Marina "la Canillas" Abad- vocals
- Ramón Giménez - flamenco guitar
- Paco Lomeña - flamenco guitar
- Javi Martin - bass
- Xavi Turull - cájon, tabla, congas, percussion
- DJ Panko - scratching
- Sergio Ramos - drums, cajón
- Maxwell Wright - percussion, vocals
- Carlitos Sarduy - congas, trumpet, keyboard
Guest appearances include Nitin Sawhney and Prithpal Rajput from the Asian Dub Foundation and Faada Freddy from Daara J (African rap group), as well as other Spanish artists.
Albums and Tours
For more information on Ojos de Brujo's albums and tour schedule, check their official website.
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