De Viaje

Mexican duo Sin Bandera made a splash last year with a debut album that blended R&B and Latin pop sensibilities. For its sophomore effort, the group, whose two members hail from Argentina and Mexico (hence the name Sin Bandera—or No Flag), continues down that musical path, with mixed results. Sin Bandera is a tasteful act, and its pared-down, often acoustic arrangements and vocal harmonies are overwhelmingly exquisite, as in "Lloro por Tí." But the songs are not consistently strong enough to pull off the slow, similarly tempoed renditions. One after the other, the songs lose steam. But there is fresh respite to be found in tracks like the invigorating "Canción," with its edgy, funky feel, and "Te Esperaré," with its surprising change of vibe and tempo.—LC