O Meio

Those who know Luiz Tatit's previous work since the Rumo already expect an intellectual approach (in the good and well-founded sense) for any of his albums, even if the very raw material of his explorations based in linguistics and semiology may be lost for non-Portuguese speakers. The album's philosophical grounds are exposed already in the first track, which symptomatically deals with metaphysics, but it's not restricted to that — musically it also works very well, even if it isn't suitable for danceable Saturday parties — or for no party at all, at that. It really requires a thinking effort, but its musicality makes it interesting enough, using subtle, cool grooves inspired in rhythms from Bahia as well as in rock, toada, pop, maracatu, reggae, fox trot, and valse. "Tanto Amor" (Ricardo Breim/Tatit), delivered by Ná Ozzetti, with its deep, haunting feel, may very well stand up as the best song of the album, music-wise. Experimental, agreed — but also musical, of course.