|
| Artist:
Resorte |
|
| Album:
XL |
| Label:
Discos Manicomio / Universal Records |
| Country:
Mexico |
| Contact:
chaas@mail.giga.com |
| Internet:
http://www.resorte.com |
| |
XL (Xtra Large) is this Mexican outfit's second
album. This is the highly anticipated record from the band that
had an album that probably became the crown jewel of Mexican
hard rock. This was done with the help of Vernon Reid
of Living Colour. That album was República de Ciegos
(Republic of the Blind). That album was the one that introduced
Resorte to Mexico and other countries. With this sophomore
album, Resorte has new producers and a new bassist. Jason
Roberts and Ricardo Haas, two key men in the success
of other Monterrey bands like Zurdok and Control Machete,
produced this album. The new bassist for Resorte is Queso
(Cheese) who replaces Set-Set. This album was recorded
in Mexico and Los Angeles. Their songs continue to have the
power and aggressiveness that characterizes the band. This band
is now a few years older and wiser and it shows in their music
and lyrics. Another thing is that they haven't lost that touch
from their previous album. XL is an album that
requires several listenings in order to capture its true feel.
That is when one sees the quality of the band. This is definitely
the album that will put them on the musical map in Latin America
and the United States. The first single, "Puro Rock (Pure
Rock)", has already been a hit in all of Latin America and even
in the United States. A lot of stations are already putting
XL on rotation and the success that the band
has achieved is a result of this album. The majority, if not,
all of the songs have that rebel youth spirit in them. The mix
between hip-hop with hard rock has made Resorte a favorite
among fans of rap-core who enjoy other groups such as Korn
and Limp Bizkit. On this production one can enjoy the
heavy bass sounds of Juan and Queso, the metal
guitar of Tavo, and the fury of Charal's drums.
Besides these basic instruments, the band has other instruments
like the cello and the berimbau. The voices of Juan and
Tavo are like night and day which makes them complement
each other very well. XL also has special appearances
by Pato and Fermin IV Caballero of Mexican rap
outfit, Control Machete, on two tracks. XL
just might be the album that will put Resorte on the global
level like Molotov.
Standout Tracks:
Caliente (Hot)
Puro Rock (Pure Rock)
Zig-Zag
Respeto (Respect)
Sobre Tierra (Over Land)
Hijos de la Bonga (Sons of the Bong)
Radical Testa |
| Artist:
Sergent Garcia |
|
| Album:
Un Poquito Quema'o |
| Label:
Higher Octave World/Virgin France |
| Country:
France |
| Contact:
delanuca@aol.com
/ fmfpromo1@aol.com |
| |
| |
|
Attention! The
Sergeant (Bruno Garcia) is here and direct from France.
He brings music that will make you dance. Fusion is the order
of business with this band that like, P18, also has
a heavy influence of the famous Mano Negra. This group
mixes hip-hop, salsa, afro-Cuban rhythms, reggae, and more.
The songs' lyrical content protests social injustices and
tries to open up a social consciousness. Their songs are fun
and full of rhythm; it's an album that everyone can like.
"Matarile rile, rile, rile, ron…Escucha mi son, ¡es son de
revolución! (…Listen to my song, my song of revolution!),"
is just an example of the lyrics on the song "Acabar Mal
(Bad Finish)." Salsa music is something that stands out
on this record plus the superior quality of the production
is noticeable. There are many talented and experienced musicians
in this band. After Mano Negra, come these groups which
keep serving up to the world happiness and songs of revolution.
Follow the Sergeant's orders and dance!
Standout Tracks:
Si Yo Llego, Yo Llego (If I Arrive, I Arrive)
Acabar Mal (Bad Finish)
Medecine Man (Medicine Man)
Hoy Me Voy
(I Leave Today)
Oye Mi Bomba (Listen to this Bomb)
Amor Pa'mi (Love for Me)
|
| Artist:
Tomates Fritos |
|
| Album:
Odissey |
| Label:
Los Insólitos |
| Country:
Venezuela |
| Contact:
tomatesfritos@hotmail.com
|
| BB |
| |
From
Bolivar's homeland, comes this super alternative band who call
themselves Tomates Fritos (Fried Tomatoes) who really
impressed us with their first album, Odissey.
This band has a really heavy English sound and it sounds good.
This is not all that common in Venezuela and in many Latin American
countries. A few who do have that sound are Zurdok, Volumen
Cero, and Jumbo who do not have a "Latin" sound.
Tomates Fritos (Fried Tomatoes) have a really interesting
proposal and are one of the few bands that were guided by the
hand of the late Cayayo Troconis, from the Venezuelan
band Dermis Tatú, and of the true masters from Latin
America. This album is really recommendable for people who especially
like the sound that bands like Muse and Radiohead
possess. The first single, "Ciruelas (Plums)" is a very
sensual song that brings true European ecstasy created from
the urban city of Caracas, Venezuela. There are other tracks
like this one, among which one of the best is "Pan (Bread)",
a live recording. Odissey is a spectacular record
released on an indie label that has 7 studio recordings and
4 live tracks. These were recorded at the National Auditorium
in Caracas at the already famous concert series, Miércoles
Insólitos (Counterculture Wednesdays). Mom and Dad always
said to eat your fruits and vegetables, believe me, these tomatoes
are really good.
Standout Tracks:
Marciano (Martian)
Galaxia (Galaxy)
Planeta Celestial (Heavenly Planet)
Ciruelas (Plums)
Pan (Bread)
Verde en el Espacio (Green in Space) |
| Artist:
Ultra |
|
| Album:
Los Cielos Submarinos |
| Label:
Opción Sónica |
| Country:
Mexico |
| Contact:
tuckglr@hotmail.com |
| |
| |
In Mexico, rock is a way of life for many. Having a band is
something essential. A lot of groups have gone on to be legends
like the case is with Caifanes and La Maldita Vecindad.
However, there are a lot of people who keep listening to music
that was done a decade ago and haven’t given a chance to newer
bands. That’s why many times bands come and go or change the
way they are. This is the case with Ultra which has members
from the now defunct Crista Galli who had a record deal
with Warner. This new band’s debut album is a the very exciting
Los Cielos Submarinos (The Submarine Heavens).
Ultra presents a fusion of rock subgenres which gives the listener
the feeling of having a dream with a tender agressiveness. The
first single of the album is titled just like the album. This
song contains a pop/rock sound mixed with industrial beats that
creates a very accesible song. Their songs are a mix of styles
that often fluctuates between pop/rock and industrial/electronica
due to the good use of samplers and loops. The last track on
the album is, "Años Luz (Light Years)," is a tender ballad
filled with emotion. With the voice of Ernesto Rosales,
they are able to produce a good balance of music and sounds
that create that surreal world. The atmosphere and mood created
by this surrealistic musical world allows one to really enjoy
this album. It can be said that this album could be a “soundtrack”
for you dreams. Mexico has some impressive talent and Ultra
definitely is among the best of the new crop. They have shown
their quality on this production and it’s probably one of the
best albums ever released by Mexican indie giant, Opción
Sónica (Sonic Option). It definitely is magical!
Standout Tracks:
Los Cielos Submarinos (The Submarine Heavens)
El Juego (The Game)
Quema al Diablo (Burn the Devil)
Levántame (Wake Me)
Hemisferios (Hemispheres)
Años Luz (Light Years) |
| Artist:
Various Artists |
|
| Album:
Festival Manicomio |
| Label:Albums
Manicomio / Universal Music Mexico |
| Country:
Mexico |
| Contact:
ccadena@manicomio.com.mx |
| Internet:
http://www.Albumsmanicomio.com |
| |
The Mexican alternative label, Discos Manicomio, is celebrating
their 3rd anniversary. With this in mind, the crazy guys at
the "madhouse" decided to release a limited edition live album.
This was done for the fans of the bands that this label has.
This was the label that introduced to the world important groups
like Control Machete, Zurdok, and Resorte.
This album titled, Festival Manicomio-3.1416 Años de Locura
(Madhouse Festival-3.1416 Years of Insanity), was recorded live
during two festivals that were organized in December of 1999
in Mexico City. They were charity events to raise funds for
ADULAM, which is a home/refuge for troubled kids and
teenagers. They were done with Mexico City radio stations Orbita
105.7 FM and Radioactivo 98.5 FM. At these festivals the already
named bands played along with La Flor del Lingo, Campo
Santo, La Gusana Ciega, Los Estrambóticos,
Puya and Lost Acapulco. This album contains live
performances by the majority of the bands. It's a first for
the label since none of their bands has a live album under their
belts. One can enjoy popular songs like "Si Señor (Yes,
Sir)", "América / J.T.R.B. (America/Jump The River Beaner)",
"Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)", and "El Cuchillo
(The Knife)." If you like live albums than get this one and
it's also good to get it as a tribute to this label that had
the guts to release alternative music that changed the scene
in Mexico. Standout Tracks:
Resorte - América / J.T.R.B. (America / Jump The River Beaner)
La Gusana Ciega - No Puedo Verte (I Can't See You)
Zurdok - Si Me Hablas al Revés (If You Talk to Me Backwards)
Control Machete - Si Señor (Yes, Sir)
Los Estrambóticos - El Cuchillo (The Knife)
La Flor del Lingo - Familia (Family)
|
| Artist:
Various Artists |
|
| Album:
Remixes - La Última Noche en la Tierra |
| Label:
WEA Latina |
| Country:
United States |
| Contact:
wearock@hotmail.com |
| |
| |
Everybody
dance! This is what this album that WEA Rock has released
is all about. It's an album that's great for parties or night
clubs containing some great alt-rock. It's also for people who
like to have fun and have a taste for dance music. La
Última Noche en La Tierra (The Last Night on Earth)
has some interesting new versions and remixes of some pretty
popular songs. What's good about this is that many time these
versions were only available on promo singles that are usually
reserved for DJ's or radio stations. For example, there is a
great version of the Café Tacuba hit, "Revés
(Backwards)", done by the band Gus Gus. There is also
some artists on this album like DJ Kun from Spain, who
sadly hasn't had his album released here in the United States.
Overall, these remixes are another way of listening to some
songs that have been popular with many people and also for your
house parties of course!
Standout Tracks:
Maná-Selva Negra (Radio Mix) - Dark Jungle (Radio Mix)
Café Tacuba-Revés (Oldskool Gus Gus Mix) - Backwards (Oldskool
Gus Gus Mix)
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs con Los Babasónicos-Mal Bicho (Remix)
- Bad Bug (Remix)
DJ Kun-Ponle Sabor (Radio Edit) - Add Some Flavor (Radio Edit)
|
| Artist:
Various Artists |
|
| Album:
Rock Delfin Del Mundo |
| Label:
Fusión Discos / BMG Music Chile |
| Country:
Chile |
| Contact:
Oscar.Sayavedra@bmge.com |
| |
| |
|
Many times Latin
Alternative rock fans just limit themselves to listening to
bands from Mexico or Argentina often losing out on listening
to great bands from other countries. Well this is a good album
to learn more about the most relevant alternative groups in
Chile today. Before going on, I must say that some good groups
didn't make this compilation and there is the noticeable absence
of the label, Universal Music Chile. In spite of this,
Rock delfín Del Mundo (Rock From the End of
the World) is a jewel for those who enjoy listening to rock
from other countries. The labels, Fusión Discos and
BMG Music Chile, put together a compilation that has
groups from several of the major labels in order to create
this album. It is made up of 21 tracks, each one full of energy,
good melodies, and great rhythms made by some of the best
bands from Chile. Among the better know artists are Lucybell,
Nicole, Los Tres (The Three), and La Ley
(The Law). Apart from them, there are other super groups like
hip-hop outfit Tiro de Gracia, Glup!, Santo
Barrio, and Upa. The songs on this compilation
include almost every genre with Latin Alternative music. From
punk sounds to urban hip-hop beats, Rock delfín Del
Mundo (Rock From the End of the World) makes a statement
and it should be released in other countries. It's a good
start for those who would like to know more about the Chilean
alternative scene.
Standout Tracks:
Tiro de Gracia - Melaza (Molasses)
Lucybell - Cuando Respiro en Tu Boca (When I Breathe in Your
Mouth)
Glup! - Freebola
Los Tetas - Cha Cha Cha
Santos Dumont - Ayer (Yesterday)
Upa - Punto
Infinito (Infinite Point)
Ex - Sacar la Basura (Take Out the Trash)
|
| Artist:
Venus |
|
| Album:
Dolor de Fin de Siglo |
| Label:
Toxic Records |
| Country:
Chile |
| Contact:
venus@scd.cl |
| Internet:
http://www.venus.scd.cl
|
| |
Strength,
aggressiveness, sexual energy, industrial, and electronic sounds
is what the second album by these Chilean rocker girls provides.
The album's name is Dolor de Fin de Siglo (End
of the Century Pain). Venus is one of the few all-female
bands in Latin America. Their first album, El Ataque de
Zorrita (The Attack of Foxy), was released by BMG
Music Chile but was not anything special. After several
changes and experiences, Venus returns as a trio and
with a brand new look and sound. They however haven't lost their
sexiness or talent. This album is very hard edged and contains
electronic music as its base. For example, on this record they
used a lot of Pitchshifter samples. Produced by Chilean
Cristian Heyne, Venus shows that it is possible
to have an independent album that rocks. From its artwork to
the wonderful production, this is one of those albums that captures
you in every aspect. The album starts off with the track, "Tu
Dolor (Your Pain)," which expresses those feelings of rage
and depression that people can have. It's a very introspective
album. The attitudes and experiences that these girls have had
in the past few years are totally displayed on this recording.
Another great song is the strong and aggressive track, "La
Cara (Face)," which is perfect for any girl who has at one
time been frustrated with the opposite sex. Venus is
Sara Ugarte (vocals/guitar), Rose Mary Vargas
(vocal/guitar), and Claudia Parra (bass). There are plans
for this album to be released in Argentina under the DBN
label and in the United States by Necropolis Records.
Hopefully that will be true because this record is the response
to all guys who have ever made a girl suffer.
Standout Tracks:
Tu Dolor (Your Pain)
Demencia (Dementia)
La Cara (Face)
Desparecer (Disappear)
Miedos (Fears)
Salvarme (Save Me) |
| Artist:
Zurdok |
|
| Album:
Hombre Sintetizador |
| Label:
Discos Manicomio / Universal Music México |
| Country:
México |
| Contact:
mopri@data.net.mx |
| Internet:
http://zurdok.cjb.net |
| |
Finally one of the best 3 albums of 1999 in all of Latin America
has been released here in the United States! I'm talking about
Hombre Sintentizador (Synthesizer Man) from the
Mexican band, Zurdok, who use to go by the name Zurdok
Movimento. This album is a jewel that very few groups have
been able to create. With this album, Zurdok not only
puts the name of Monterrey in the forefront, but themselves
as a band. The
follow-up to their debut album, Antena, they present
an album that is totally different and experimental. It was
a real pleasure to listen to this album for the first time because
from start to finish, the melodic and ambient sounds move and
inspire you. It's a totally conceptual album. With a heavy British
influence, the band is able to mix a sonic rock with intelligent
lyrics. The first single, "Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes),"
is one of the few "hard rock" songs on the album. The use of
samplers and loops help implement many interesting things like
noises, sounds, and other things that make this album a surreal
experience. The lyrics talk about subjects like love, the meaning
of life, and falling out of love among other subjects. "Sí
Me Advertí (I Warned Myself)," for example, is a song that
cleary shows the emotional side of the band. This even more
now that their lead singer, Fernando Martz, is no longer
with the band. The album was produced by Peter Reardon,
"Potro" Farías, Toy Hernandez of Control
Machete, Maurizio Terracina, Gerardo Garza
of Zurdok, and Ricardo Haas. The album was recorded
in Monterrey and Los Angeles. The Monterrey recording was done
in an abandoned mansion on the outskirts of the city. This perhaps
was influential in the mysterious aura that the record has.
Another thing is that by having so many producers, each song
has its own identity but in the end are all the same. There
is perfect synchronization just like with the best Swiss watches.
This one is truly recommended for fans of bands like Radiohead.
If you don't have this record yet, what are you waiting for?
Buy it now! A jewel that was born in Monterrey. ¡Arriba el regio-power!
Standout Tracks:
Hombre Sintetizador I (Synthesizer Man I)
Abre Los Ojos (Open Your Eyes)
Si Quieres Llegar Muy Lejos (If You Want to Go Far)
¿Cuántos Pasos? (How Many Steps?)
Sí Me Advertí (I Warned Myself)
El Tiempo Se Va I (Time Flies I)
Tal Ves (Maybe)
Luna (Moon) |
|
