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ALBUM REVIEWS
By: Rosario Garcia
An album they are describing as a “Tribute to cumbia composers such as Lucho Bermudez, Los Corraleros de Majagual, Orquesta Sonoro Curro and more,” Viento Callejero’s Gloria Estrada on Guitar, Federico Zuniga on bass, and Gabriel Villa on drums form part of the LA based urban cumbia band who just a few months ago were able to raise $9,000 in just 25 days to produce and release their debut album. At first listen, it was clear that Viento Callejero’s fans and supporters’ money was well spent. The album is flawless, fresh, and clearly embodies the ‘cumbia callejera’ style that honors the origins of cumbia everywhere. The album features 11 songs, some original and some which are tributes to various cumbia legends. Most of the album is instrumental, such as the opening track “Tolu”, and the highly danceable “Turbo Max”, however, the first single, “La Burrita” features vocals from Martha Gonzalez (Quetzal), Leah Gallegos (Las Cafeteras), as well as, the musical stylings of Eddika Organista (El Haru-Kuroi). Despite the star power, Viento Callejero can stand on their own. They provide variety by incorporating rock, soul, and tropical sounds with electronic components that elevate them into the contemporary. Without knowing a single thing about them, you’ll know where they came from after one listen. This self-awareness in a debut album is rare and makes me want to listen to Viento Callejero’s next album and the one after that. You can listen to Viento Callejero’s full album on Spotify or visit http://www.vientocallejero.com/. █
By: Rosario Garcia
There’s chemistry between you and Argentine rock band, Banda de Turistas according to their hit song, “Quimica” from their latest album Lo Que Mas Querés. The breakout track sings, “Hay quimica entre los dos” over and over against a synth heavy beat that dares you to move your head to-and-fro as you imagine yourself in the club scoping out the cutest guy/girl at the place. Banda de Turistas’ fourth album, is what you’ve come to expect from the quintet delivering a balance of pop and rock reminiscent of Virus or Babasonico’s electronic cheeky attitude, while paired with pure rock and roll, promiment guitars and solos, as is evident in “Histerias Modernas”. The ten songs on the album range back to the bands early beginnings coexisting with rock, pop, psychedelic, electronic and ballads. The song “Porque Sera” is the embodiment of this style featuring all four genres in one neat package. The dark “Lagrimal” is hypnotic and tense while managing to evoke romanticism. The rock ballad “Dejate Ir” is a masterpiece in and of itself. Reminiscent of a little known band known as the Beatles, a piano and slow guitar solo back up the sweet and melancholic lyrics as they pull at your heart strings. From “Nenes” (the opening track) to the very last “Lo Que Mas Querés,” there’s a growth that can be heard and felt in this latest Banda de Turistas effort. You can take them or leave them but they will give you, Lo Que Mas Queres. The album is available on iTunes. █
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