Los Lonely Boys maybe something of a new name to the majority of you (unless of course you’ve read the previous blog postings on the band!!) but after one listen to the Texas based Chicano power trio and I guarantee you’ll be well and truly smitten with their smooth grooves, fluid riffs and massive funk ridden hooks.
Rockpango is the band’s fourth album to date, but first to be self-released, the band of brothers first formed back in 2003 and ever since their first steps into the world of rock n roll, the Texan siblings have been tearing up stages and mesmerising audiences and fellow musicians alike. The band have sold millions of albums over in the US as well as taking home a Grammy or two, the group have also supported the likes of The Rolling Stones as well as performing with the likes of Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson to name but a few (and yet somehow over here they still remain as unknown quantity!!).
Rockpango see’s the band weld latin roots to simmering rock to create one of the most infectious sounds known to man, the album smoulders, smokes and lays waste to the competition, from the opening funky groove of American Idle to the albums fiery finale of Believe the Los Lonely Boys cook up one hell of a party.
The aforementioned American Idle open proceedings with a big powerful Latin grooved rocker setting the mood wonderfully for the subsequent rich and varied delights ahead, Fly Away is a glorious, infectious stripped down bluesy number, complete with gorgeous vocal harmonies and intricate acoustic guitars showcasing the trio’s impressive musicality. Love In My Veins adds pattered Latin percussion and funky hammond organ to proceedings whilst supplying an instant and contagious vocal hook that continues to drag you back for subsequent spins.
As the album continues the band reveal further layers to their already spellbinding sound, Road To Nowhere and Smile are both string assisted (Tosca String Quartet) sophisticated and heartfelt ballads, 16 Monkeys is a delicious and witty funk number, whilst Porn Star combines their already evident love of blues with a previously unheard yet mesmeric hip-hop influence complimented by rapper Kush and DJ Beans. Whilst Baby Girl is a delicious strutting rock number complete with blazing guitars, sing-a-long vocals and those omni-present latino rhythms, bringing to mind the likes of the aforementioned Santana.
As I said at the beginning of this review, Rockpango is a seriously hot slab of latin fuelled rock n roll, it’ll make you shake, it’ll make you shimmy but most of all it’ll make you holler along, if you like rock you’ll love Rockpanga!!!
Rhythm & Booze Rating 10
www.loslonelyboys.com