Ahi Vamos

CERATI GUSTAVO AHI VAMOS

Gustavo Cerati trades in his electronic urges for rock reverb and jangly guitar riffs on Ahi Vamos, his first proper solo studio effort since 2002's Siempre es Hoy. In actuality, the new disc is closer in sound to some of Cerati's work as frontman for Argentine rock band Soda Stereo, which flourished throughout the 1980s. Cerati was also surely influenced by his acclaimed work with Shakira, Los Caifanes, and Babasonicos. Whatever the reason, it's allowed the prolific performer to remain a relevant force in the rock en espanol world without relying on an easy regurgitation of hits. Ahi Vamos swoops and swirls through an urgent array of styles, from arena-rock fist pumpers ("Uno Entre 1000") to '80s-inspired retro grooves ("Caravana") and moments of sparkling commercial immediacy ("Adios," "Otra Piel"). Through it all, Cerati's way with a guitar remains a wily, wondrous highlight. --Joey Guerra