Brigadistak Sound System

Fermin Muguruzas first solo album is even more incendiary than his previous blast of rock en Basque with the group Dut -- or perhaps, ska, dub, reggae, rock, and some electronica might be a more apt description. If anything, hes widened his political scope to a more global view than the Basque focus of his debut, and along the way he brings in plenty of guests, including fellow traveler Manu Chao, who provides the melody and the programmed ringtones to "Maputxe," Englands Mad Professor, who provides a dub mix of the opening "Urrun," and Angelo Moore from Fishbone, whos in his ska element on "Newroz," a song about the Kurdish New Year. But theyre only part of the party -- L.A.s Aztlan Underground contribute to the house-heavy "Nazio Ibiltaria Naiz," while Todos Tus Muertos let loose on a cover of Toots Hibberts reggae anthem to prison, "54-46." The vision, however, is entirely Muguruzas -- he sings lead, plays a lot of the guitar, and wears his political heart pinned brightly to his sleeve. Hes essentially the grandson of the Clash, with the same passion for reggae and ska beats, and the son of global punks Mano Negra. Theres a fire in his belly, and plenty to say about the state of the world, even beyond his own borders, pulling in the global musical styles to fit his needs and make his points about the downtrodden everywhere. Pure, true punk for the new millennium, as well as real world music. ~ Chris Nickson