According to a recent episode of Ross Kemp on Gangs, Brazil’s favelas (shanty towns) are home not only to gun-toting gangs and aspiring footballers but massive underground raves (no doubt supplied by the former’s drugs). This is presumably where Bonde Do Role – comprising of three MCs, one of whom also DJs – cut their teeth.

In between early Basement Jaxx and Beastie Boys, they blend funk, hip-hop and rock. Unfortunately, while it sounds like it would perfectly suit an energetic rave (in which most people would probably be too pilled up to care), the home listening experience is somewhat diminished by the fact that all the lyrics are in Portuguese. Not that I have anything against ‘world music’ or artists singing in their native tongues as such – I have several cherished records where the words are meaningless to me – but it does detract when the main focus is supposed to be the lyrics. The press release suggests many of these songs are about sex, but for all I know they could simply be reciting their shopping lists over some mean beats, which is a shame. I’m sure there are depths here that are simply lost on me.

Further, despite the diverse range of sounds and influences brought together, carnival-style – from the heavy guitar of ‘Bondallica’, to the kazoo sound in ‘Geremia’, to the tinny horns of ‘Tieta’ – the lack of lyrical distinction means each song tends to blend into the next. This isn’t such a problem, though, as the whole album is rather like a single, half-hour mashed-up rave. If you like high energy party music, with plenty of attitude, and aren’t so bothered about intelligible lyrics (or speak Portuguese) then Bonde Do Role could be the soundtrack to some of the most fun nights of your life.

(3/5)