If Manu Chao could write a few more memorable songs and play to his strengths, he might achieve the status he clearly seeks, to be ranked alongside his obvious influences, Bob Marley and the Clash. As it is, he is an entertaining, endearing oddity.

The best-known continental star in the UK (who else could fill Brixton for three nights?), Chao is celebrated for the passion that led him to study and promote Latin and African styles, which in the process transformed the lives of Amadou and Mariam.

But he also wants to become a rock star, and though his finest work to date appeared on the delightfully slinky and minimalist Clandestino, nine years ago, the songs on his new album are far less interesting and treated with a blitz of rock guitars. Thus, here he is backed by two percussionists, bass and a bare-chested electric guitarist. He comes on sporting cut-off jeans and a red bandanna, crashing into a furious, frantic set that is notable more for his energy and passion than his song-writing. He starts with El Hoyo from La Radiolina, but then, mysteriously, ignores his more commercial new songs, as he mixes ska, reggae and punk influences with sing-along Latin balladry, switching between aggressive new treatments of old songs and bursts of Marley's War and the Clash's Armagideon Time. He calms down, eventually, for a more acoustic version of Clandestino, but returns to the rock riffs and pogo dancing for the encores, which includes a fine oldie, Bongo Bong. The audience love him, but I suspect he is capable of far more.

· At Brixton Academy tonight and tomorrow. Box office: 0844 477 2000.Then touring.