This is, in fact, Grupo Fantasma's seventh album. And Grupo Fantasma is one of the most spectacular practitioners of americana--as long as you allow your definition of that sound to expand past norteamericana.

Grupo Fantasma American Music Vol. VII (Blue Corn Music)

The horns come to the fore as usual, and the funk is a bit thicker. The Grupo reaches out to plenty of friends, and the result is a burbling pile of steaming wonderfulness. It's almost impossible to name all of the elements, but the flavor and heat are overwhelming.

Interestingly, this album sounds a bit like Los Lobos, a direct connection I haven't made with this band before. The thick guitar and rumbling bass are the connection for me. In general, Texas-based Grupo Fantasma is much looser and less technical in its sound than the band from East L.A., but on occasion I heard a familiar snippet and smiled quietly to myself.

I don't think Grupo Fantasma is trying to make a statement with its music. The music speaks just fine on its own. American music has different meanings for different people, I suppose, but these folks blend so many influences into a brilliant whole that I can't imagine anyone disputing the album title. And if you find such a person, you have my permission to smack them upside the head. This album is just as fun as past efforts--and it has a certain snap that might take it a notch higher. Impossible to turn down.

Jon Worley