Forro In The Dark

"Perro Loco"

BY David DacksPublished Aug 11, 2009

Born in the cosmopolitan environs of downtown Manhattan's Nublu club some four years ago, Forró In The Dark is yet another fascinating fusion of Brazilian and North American music.

Forró refers to a group of rhythms popularized in northeastern Brazil played on accordion, zambumba (a bass drum), and a triangle. As the group's name suggests, there is a darker undercurrent to the sound. Rockabilly style electric guitar is a central element to the group's sound, used as both a lead presence and to beef up the bass frequencies. Another unusual element is the use of the pifano wooden flute, which immediately conjures up images of those ubiquitous Andean pan flute bands that inhabit every North American city during the summer. Yet FITD challenge the listener by using the flute in a shrill, more percussive way which adds to the insistence of the music.

Having released their first album on Nublu's own label, they've further sharpened their sound for their upcoming album release Light A Candle (named after the Neil Young song), which comes out on National Geographic's music label, Nat Geo, on October 13. This album was recorded live in the studio, save for a few overdubs, and their energy has coalesced even better this time around.

Exclaim is pleased to present this exclusive advance track from the disc, courtesy of Nat Geo.

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