Carteles

Starting with the heavy armor of the cover art’s commander and the artillery shells whizzing by his head, and then continuing through the tracklist, there’s nothing remotely subtle about El Fantasma’s latest outing. That said, considering the subject matter and the semi-enigmatic cool that has surrounded the singer’s career thus far, there’s scarcely any reason for Carteles to hold back. The album boasts unapologetic odes to narcos and antiheroes, captured in the full-throated declarations of “La Mayiza” and the epic violence of “Los del Golfo.” Representing proudly for San José de Cañas, “Somos de Durango” provides a rousing and riotous celebration of hometown pride.