Like many late-'90s outfits, the Los Angeles-based {$Ozomatli} is an eclectic conglomeration, fusing a wild variety of musics. At its core, the group is a dance band, blending {\funk}, {\hip-hop}, Latin rhythms, {\jazz}, {\salsa}, {\reggae}, {\Tejano}, and {\worldbeat} into its sound. It's a busy, heady mix, and occasionally there's simply too much going on in the mix for it to be easy to digest. Nevertheless, it's easy to admire a group that challenges the listeners, and {$Ozomatli} certainly does that with their eponymous debut album. Not only is the music dense and exciting, but the lyrics are politically charged and daring, adding substance to the infectious music. The result is an album that is both entertaining and rewarding -- not a bad achievement for a debut. [The Holland edition adds live versions of {&"Cut Chemist Suite"} and {&"Como Ves."}] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide