|
| Artist:
El Otro Yo |
|
| Album:
Abrecaminos |
| Label:
Besotico Records / DBN |
| Country:
Argentina |
| Contact:
besotico@topmail.com.ar |
| Internet:
http://elotroyo.sion.com
|
| |
One of the most important bands in Argentina is this indie band
known as El Otro Yo (The Other Me). This band has always
had a much different sound from a lot of other bands in their
homeland. They already have several albums under their belt;
this is the newest and it's called Abrecaminos
(Pathfinder). This album is very fun to listen to and it has
the unique sound that characterizes the band. With the lead
voices of Cristian Aldana and Maria Fernanda Aldana,
these guys sing about just any topic. Their power pop sound
works in a peaceful harmony with punk rock on this album and
there are even remixes of songs perfect for clubs. The album
begins with the cool song, "Arriba (Up)," as an introduction
to a wild and fun ride with El Otro Yo (The Other Me).
All the songs have the masculine and feminine vocals that work
like a yin-yang of music. You could maybe compare them to Len
but with a more punk rock edge. Abrecaminos (Pathfinder)
is one of the best albums released recently in Argentina, but
it just might not be the band's best yet. It is that with every
album this band releases they just keep getting better.
Standout Tracks:
Arriba (Up)
La Música (The Music)
No Me Importa Morir (I Don't Care If I Die)
Melodías Vibradoras (Vibrating Melodies)
El Destino (Destiny)
Ella Se Fue (She Left)
Melodías Vibradoras (Remix) - Vibrating Melodies (Remix) |
| Artist:
El Manjar de Los Dioses |
|
| Album:
Alucinando |
| Label:
Radio Vox |
| Country:
Puerto Rico |
| Contact:
fmfpromo1@aol.com |
| Internet:
http://www.elmanjardelosdioses.com
|
| |
From
Puerto Rico hails the band El Manjar de los Dioses (Food
for the Gods) with their second album titled, Alucinando
(Hallucinating). That is the feeling that this band creates,
and for obvious reasons are becoming one of the most important
bands in the Latin Alternative rock scene. Alucinando
(Hallucinating) is an EP containing 7 songs, which deliver some
strong emotions. From the inspiring "Alucinando con Rockanrol
(Hallucinating with Rock'n'Roll)" to the hard-rocking "Tornasol
(Pinwheel)", this album shows why this was one of the bands
chosen to participate in the MTV Latino rock showcase,
which was featured at the MIDEM Americas music conference
in June of '99. The unique voice of singer Fofé (José
Luis Abreu) is truly impressive. Included on this album
is their version of The Cure's "If Only Tonight We
Could Sleep" that appeared on the critically acclaimed Latin
rock tribute to them. This is one of the best versions on that
album. El Manjar de los Dioses (Food for the Gods) is
exactly that, a meal that will satisfy the taste buds of rockers
who are in love with music and always want something different.
Alucinando (Hallucinating) in its production,
execution, and presentation is one of the best albums/Eps that
have recently been released. This is a true triumph for a band
that each day is establishing itself as the most important band
in the Caribbean.
Standout Tracks:
Quiero Ver (El Hada Que Tú Imaginas)
Alucinando con Rockanrol
If Only Tonight We Could Sleep (Si Tan Sólo Pudiésemos Dormir)
Dejame Vivir!
Tornasol |
| Artist:
Ely Guerra |
|
| Album:
LotoFire |
| Label:
EMI Music Mexico |
| Country:
Mexico |
| Contact:
balbi99@hotmail.com |
| Internet:
http://www.elyguerra.com.mx |
| |
|
The Mexican diva
known as Ely Guerra is one of the most important exponents
of the alternative scene in Mexico. Despite the fact that
she is not well known in other parts, her talent is incredible.
Her sensuous and calming voice can open up musical passions.
Lotofire (Lotus Fire) is her most recent album
and it has a very special sound. It was produced by the Venezuelan
Andres Levin, better known for his work with groups
such as: Aterciopelados (The Velvet Ones) and El
Gran Silencio (The Great Silence). Andres also
participates on the album as a musician along with the talented
Marc Ribot. The album is full of female sensuality
and it has a calm and serene sound. It is like a tribute to
women and it celebrates all their sensuality as well as their
strength. The first single for radio is "Tengo Frio
(I'm Cold)." This song is the perfect song because it captures
the whole energy that this album brings. Maybe it is too experimental
or different for many listeners who may not be as accustomed
to music of this caliber. It is a very eclectic and abstract
work of art. The CD booklet contains photographs taken by
the sister of Mexican rocker Julieta Venegas, the famous
photographer Yvonne Venegas. Ely could be the
female counterpart of Gustavo Cerati. It's an album
that one should listen to, enjoy, and by the way, a glass
of good wine would be a good idea as well.
Standout Tracks:
Profundidad (Depth)
Vete (Leave)
Mejor Me Voy (I'd Rather Go)
Tengo Frio
(I'm Cold)
Abusar (Abuse)
El Mar (The Sea)
Abusar (Single Edit) - Abuse (Single Edit)
|
| Artist:
Essere |
|
| Album:
Libre EP |
| Label:
Essere (Independient) |
| Country:
United States(Miami) |
| Contact:
ErikJanM@aol.com |
| BB |
| |
Essere is one of several bands that exist in Miami, but
they like to set themselves apart from others. This is a very
diverse band with relatively good stage presence. On this EP,
they show a lot of their talent especially that of their leader,
the Colombian Eric Monterrosa, who writes all the songs.
This record is titled Libre and their Pop-Alternative
sound is what is showcased. The songs are soft yet aggressive
which is something that characterizes this band in general.
Essere means "to be/being" in Italian and this is what
the band wants. They just want to be themselves and do not care
for anything else. This is a lively album, which is full of
metaphors for life. The production is very good and Eric's
vocals are somewhat different than other singers. His distinct,
scratchy voice, propel the power of his lyrics. This EP is a
good start to a band that is just beginning and appears to be
on a good path.
Standout Tracks:
No Se Verá (It Won't Be Seen)
Sólo (Alone)
Ángel (Angel)
Libre (Free) |
| Artist:
Fratta |
|
| Album:
Realidad |
| Label:
Albums Intolerancia / Opcion Sonica |
| Country:
Mexico |
| Contact:
fratta@fratta.com |
| Internet:
http://www.fratta.com |
| |
Realidad
(Reality) is the fourth album by Jorge Fratta and his
band, the Tampico Reality Blues Band. Jorge Fratta
is an exceptional musician and on this album that stands out.
It is a magnificent production in all aspects and it has some
excellent musicians and guest vocalists like Sr. Gonzalez,
Sasha Soköl (ex-Timbiriche), Maria Urtusuastegui
and Nrü (Cafe Tacuba). The reality of this album
is that it has a very spontaneous and honest feel to it with
a little bit of surrealism. The voices are like a nice sea breeze.
They are refreshing and pure and that gives the album great
quality. From the first track, "Realidad (Reality),"
to the amazing track done with Sasha, "Las Flores
(The Flowers)", the album has no prejudices or commitments.
If there is a commitment, it is with that of music itself. It
is very experimental, enjoyable, and one of the best records
to be released in Mexico lately. Realidad (Reality)
is the reality of Mexico; there aren't only bands like Jaguares
or Mana, but a great amount of talented groups that need
the necessary support from label employees and music fans alike.
Standout Tracks:
Realidad (Reality)
Este Es Mi Barco (This is My Boat)
Las Flores (The Flowers)
Fletes (Package)
Veneno Intenso (Intense Poison)
Delirios (Deliriums) |
| Artist:
Fulano |
|
| Album:
etc.. |
| Label:
Radio Vox |
| Country:
United States - Miami |
|
Contact:
nakedlight@earthlink.net
|
| Internet:
http://www.fulanoplaneta.com |
| |
With
a new name and album the Miami band, Fulano de Tal, returns.
Their new record is titled etc. It is a collection
of rarities and new songs recorded in different studios and
during different instances between 1996 and 1999. The band now
goes by the name of Fulano. They were one of the first
U.S.-based Latin rock acts to be signed to a major label when
they were signed to BMG U.S. Latin. Their previous album,
Normal, had great reviews when it came out. Several
years have passed since then and now Fulano is with indie-label,
Radio Vox. They still maintain that fresh and spontaneous
sound that characterizes them. etc. is a very
sentimental album that allows one to experience the process
of searching and finding emotions through the beauty of music.
There is an exquisite selection of songs that include "Caramelo
(Candy)", "En Nombre De (In the Name of)," and "No
Doubt About It" which makes this album a must-have for any
collection. It's perfect to listen to when one is alone in a
room thinking about that special someone. Fulano is a
band with a great Latin sound despite the fact that just the
vocalist, Elsten Torres, is the only Hispanic. The band
has a good following from English-speaking audiences and that's
why on this album they have several tracks in English as well.
At the same time, language doesn't matter when you can project
strong emotions through your words and music. After everything
is said and done this is just an album about "etc."
Standout Tracks:
Caramelo (Candy)
En Nombre De (In the Name of)
No Doubt About It
Se Le Quedó (Left Behind)
Malas Palabras (Bad Words)
Sopa y Pan (Soup and Bread) |
| Artist:
Grave! |
|
| Album:
Demo2 |
| Label:
Grave! (Independient) |
| Country:
Brasil |
| Contact:
grave@grave.org |
| Internet:
http://www.grave.org
|
| |
From
Brazil we present a band with an EP containing 5 songs. This
band is Grave! and by the way it was a true surprise
to hear their music. The music is very cool and great to jam
to. The language is no barrier because one can enjoy this production,
which has great quality, and well the band is just good. They
have a style that is similar to Paralamas, but with an
electronic feel. Demo2 provides one an enjoyable
experience. This is just one of the many talented bands from
the country that produced Pelé. Another interesting fact
about this album is that it contains a pretty cool interactive
track that allows one to find out more about the band. That
is a luxury that not many indie bands have. It was surprising
to come across this act. I just wished that there was more music
to listen to.
Standout Tracks:
Sempre Contra o Vento (Always Against the Wind)
O Equilibrio e o Caos (Balance or Chaos)
Bola Bandida (Original Version from Demo1) |
| Artist:
Glup! |
|
| Album:
1999 |
| Label:
BMG Music Chile |
| Country:
Chile |
| Contact:
Oscar.Sayavedra@bmge.com |
| Internet:
http://glup.cjb.net |
| |
The
Stambuk (Koko, Vid y Rodrigo) Brothers
and Gustavo Labrin make up this band known as Glup!
This Chilean band with a strange name presents to us their first
album entitled 1999. This is a good album that
has the production work of the talented Chilean Cristian
Heyne and mixing and mastering work of Barry Sage.
The British influence is obvious on this album, so much so that
Glup! has been compared to Blur. 1999
is full of energetic tracks as well as melodic tracks that make
them sound like Radiohead. The first single is "Freebola"
and it's a song that is super fun to listen to and talks about
those nice and wonderful pampered girls that all guys love.
Another great track is the first one of the album entitled "Quiero
Que Me Quieran (I Want to Be Loved)" which by the way is
the theme song for a Chilean television show named Algo Está
Cambiando (Something is Changing). These Chileans show their
quality as a group with their fun lyrics and their album that
has quality in all aspects. This is a clear example of the quality
of bands that exist in Chile. Sadly many times people will only
listen to more famous Chilean groups like La Ley (The
Law), Los Prisioneros (The Prisoners), and Los Tres
(The Three). 1999 shows that many of the albums
being released in Latin America don't have a "Latin" sound and
that making rock is what is important. If you can get your hands
on a copy of 1999 you will like it. Great band
to listen to.
Standout Tracks:
Quiero Que Me Quieran (I Want to Be Loved)
Campo de Frutillas (Strawberry Fields)
1999
Freebola
El Pescador (The Fisherman)
Un Día Más (One More Day) |
|
