By Mexican Institute of Sound, 2007

Following the success of last year's debut "Mejico Maxico" is this infectious pastiche of electronica, dub, cha cha, and other musical surprises. Guests on "Pinata" include members of Tom Tom Club, Cornelius, and Babasonicos. In the past year, MIS received widespread acclaim from Spin, the NY Times, and Urb, as well as radio support from such tastemakers as KCRW (LA), Indie 103 (LA), KEXP (Seattle), and KUT (Austin).

The band's music has also been featured in other projects including "Ugly Betty", in Dos Equis' national advertising campaign, on multiple soundtracks, and on the upcoming EA Games release "FIFA 2008".Pinata proves to be the perfect title for the sophomore disc from Mexican Institute of Sound. It's got more colorful grooves and sweet surprises than you can shake, or swing, a stick at. One-man programming band Camilo Lara stuffs the disc with quirky samples and buoyant choruses that are decidedly Mexican but could reflect life from any corner of the globe.

It's an electro-Technicolor take on world music. "Killer Kumbia" and "Para No Vivir Desesperado" come to life via chirpy cumbia grooves, as does much of the disc; and Lara effectively samples rock outfit Café Tacuba during "El Microfono. " Lara's approach here is alternately serious and silly, combining nonsensical chatter with sly social statements.

"A Todos Ellos" namechecks a long list of pop-culture icons, from Rocio Jurado, Sonny Bono, and R.L. Burnside, to Cantinflas, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and Oscar Wilde. The second half of the disc showcases more club-friendly grooves, and Pinata stand strong as an intriguing collection of pop revelry. --Joey Guerra

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