Fermin Muguruza

Fermin Muguruza's second album is even more incendiary than his first blast of rock en Basque -- or perhaps, ska, dub, reggae, rock, and some electronica might be a more apt description. If anything, he's widened his political scope to a more global view than the Basque focus of his debut, and along the way he brings in plenty of guests, including fellow traveler Manu Chao, who provides the melody and the programmed ringtones to "Maputxe," England's Mad Professor, who provides a dub mix of the opening "Urrun," and Angelo Moore from Fishbone, who's in his ska element on "Newroz," a song about the Kurdish New Year. But they're only part of the party -- L.A.'s Aztlan Underground contribute to the house-heavy "Nazio Ibiltaria Naiz," while Todos Tus Muertos let loose on a cover of Toots Hibbert's reggae anthem to prison, "54-46." The vision, however, is entirely Muguruza's -- he sings lead, plays a lot of the guitar, and wears his political heart pinned brightly to his sleeve. He's essentially the grandson of the Clash, with the same passion for reggae and ska beats, and the son of global punks Mano Negra. There's a fire in his belly, and plenty to say about the state of the world, even beyond his own borders, pulling in the global musical styles to fit his needs and make his points about the downtrodden everywhere. Pure, true punk for the new millennium, as well as real world music. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide