Recorded in the remote Texan town of Tornillo, Mexican pinup trio
Reik slightly deviate from their usual Latin pop/rock formula by jumping on the retro synth pop bandwagon for their fourth album,
Peligro. Produced by
Cachorro López (
Julieta Venegas),
Kiko Cibrian (
Luis Miguel), and Ettore Grenci (
Kalimba Marichal), the follow-up to 2008's Latin Grammy-winning
Un Dia Mas still contains the driving MOR anthems ("Déjate Llevar," "No Te Quiero Olvidar," the latter of which also appears in an English-language version) and romantic ballads ("Creo en Ti," "A Ciegas") that have helped them to slowly build a following across the southern parts of the U.S. as well as their homeland. But elsewhere, its 16 tracks showcase a more adventurous streak lacking from their previous output, whether it's the dirty acidic basslines and funky guitar licks of the infectious title track (also featured here in a perfunctory Masterfrenc Remix), the shimmering
Guetta-esque synths of the pulsing "Tu Mirada," or the melodic indie disco of "Irreversible." The quirky
Howard Jones-esque electro-pop of "Cálido y Rojo" (one of two tracks penned by
Miranda!'s
Ale Sergi), the
Spandau Ballet-style melodramatics of "Déjame Ir," and the chiming
U2-inspired riffs on "Si Te Vas" suggest that a
Now That's What I Call the 80s compilation may have been the catalyst for their change in direction. But it's ultimately a convincing one, and while its nearly hourlong running time could have done with a bit of trimming (particularly the unremarkable "Mi Tormenta Favorita" and "Adicto a Ti"),
Peligro should ensure that their steady rise to the top of the Mexican pop scene remains on course.
–
Jon O'Brien, Rovi