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The Review - MUSIC - classical & jazz with TONY KIELY
Published: 1 November 2007

Catalan class in Chalk Farm

PREVIEW: OJOS DE BRUJOS
Roundhouse

CATALAN folk-funk outfit Ojos de Brujos are one of a kind. I first stumbled across them at Womad, the world music festival. They were giving Flamenco classes and although their English was non-existent, they spoke to the crowd with their Spanish guitars and some flamboyant hand gestures. I worked out what stage they were playing on and was treated to an absolute stormer of a gig. I couldn’t understand a word the mesmerising lead singer was banging on about, but the tone of her incredible voice was such it really didn’t matter.
They mix fierce Catalan political sensibility with a brilliant sense of rhythm. The band draw on the region’s gypsy heritage and mash it up with super-speed Flamenco guitars. It is brought bang up to date with the inclusion of DJ Panko, a rapping beat-boxer who scratches records as the rest of the band lay out some fat funk basslines. They have a superb rhythm section and some cool backing singers. Overall it’s a weird and wonderful mixture of talented musicians.
I caught them a year later at The Chapel in Islington, and realised then that they are massive in Barcelona – the crowd was rammed with Spanish Ojos fans. They rocked the Roundhouse last year, selling out the venue, and this Wednesday – their only night at the Chalk Farm venue – is due to be as memorable as their last.
DAN CARRIER

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