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The group’s unique blend of electronic beats and traditional Afro-Peruvian rhythms showed a lot of promise on their award-winning album, Afro. Yet, on Coba Coba their reliance on their collaborators dilutes their original intentions into an insipid Latin fusion.

Don’t get me wrong: when the band concentrates on their sound, the results are breathtaking. The punch of the first three tracks had me gripping my headphones to brace for what was to follow. Bass and percussion drive forward the message of hope that a black man may be a lawyer, priest or even president in times of freedom on ‘Libertá’. ‘Se Me Van’ hits right on target, exploding with a festive jam session that only an afrobeat-tinged track can express.

From here on, as the guest musicians take centre stage, the momentum of the first songs dissipates. Relaxed, reggae influenced ‘Ruperta/Puede Ser’ is cut in half rather awkwardly when Cuban hip-hop group Obsesión’s rapping interrupts Milagros Guerrero’s silky vocal delivery. In ‘Túmbala’, a promising hectic funk is made bland by Spanish rocker Gecko Turner hissing “Que bueno está, que bueno está”.

For an album recorded in London, Lima and Barcelona, it very well may be a testament to the versatility of African sounds. With tracks jumping through genres such as hip-hop, reggaeton, son cubano and dub, these Peruvians have linked their heritage with the present using their beats to hold it all together.

However, innovation alone doesn’t make a great record. If Novalima could just hold back on the collaborators and expand on their fresh sound, they would have an incredible record. Sadly, all we’re left with is to try to pick out the gems and congratulate them for their vision.

Track listing:
1. Concheperla
2. Libertá
3. Se Me Van
4. Ruperta/Puedas Ser
5. Africa Landó
6. Coba Guarango
7. Camote
8. Mujer Ajena
9. Tumbala
10. Kumana
11. Bomba
12. Yo Voy
13. Bolero

Links:
http://www.novalima.net/
http://www.myspace.com/novalima