Reves/Yo Soy

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

In pop music there's an important difference between experimentation and invention: the former implies the willingness to challenge convention; the latter also suggests the ability to create interesting new sounds. This Mexican group is one of the most praised Spanish-language rock bands around, but unfortunately its new double CD is perhaps more experimental than inventive. The first part features instrumentals that draw on Latin pop and European classical traditions; the second features vocals influenced by art-rock, bolero and other genres. More than a few songs on this provocative collection have the power to enchant, yet this band surely has better albums in its future.

--By Christopher John Farley