As a concept, the OE: Brazil album is stunning and ambitious. Take six local musicians, fly them to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for three weeks, and record songs with 60 Brazilians.
Considering the many styles represented on these 11 tracks - samba, jazz, world, drum'n'bass, andreggae, to name a few - it's a cohesive and intriguing album. Despite some of the lyrics being lightweight, the striking thing is the range of new sounds and the unrivalled fusion of styles. There's the cute and squeaky cuica on Weir's Doin' It For Brasil, with Clube Do Balanco, and the body noises produced by Barbatuques, who work with innovative Wellington producer Maaka Phat.
The standout is the stealth bass and mean, ragga-tinged I'm Not Gonna Back Down by Weir and Sao Paulo producer BiD. Singer Hollie Smith tackles the most difficult song, Sampa Soul, with veteran jazz group Zimbo Trio, and pulls it off effortlessly.
For the dancefloor, there's the rolling drum'n'bass of Brazilians Drumagick and Shapeshifter's P Digsss, and the slinky funk of Recloose and Funk Como Le Gusta. Thankfully it's a summer album because there's so much going on here you'll need lots of time to devour it.
