Supervielle (Bajofondo Tango Club Presents)

The Bajofondo Tango Club, whose mix of electro-acoustic nuevo tango is fascinating, seems to be trying to set itself up as a sort of young, hip version of Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club with this solo release from youngest member Luciano Supervielle. It's an odd disc, with several wisps of tango in tracks like "Decollage" and "Perfume" or "Tanogodrome," but ambitions toward classical, hip-hop and also downbeat electronica. As such, it's not a disc that gets in your face, but floats gently and lovingly in the background, with enchanting melodies and arrangements -- a bit more than background, but not enough to claim attention for its entire span. Also included is a second disc of remixes, and as usual, they're a mixed bag. Androval's take on "Miles de Pasajeros" comes close to house and garage in its thumping bass, while Omar takes the same tunes and brings it into hip-hop noir. Calvi & Neill have three runs at "Perfume," ranging from a lovely version that emphasizes the tango of the piece with echoes of dub to more rhythmic, passionate moves. So what to make of all this? Superveille is a composer and arranger of definite talent, and the main album (at least) is easy to listen to. But a little more focus might bring greater acceptance. ~ Chris Nickson|