Orgullo Hispano en el Phil

From the Times' Ann Powers article:


"As a band, we always mix genres, cultures, generations, and now to have a musical director who does the same, it's awesome," said Ulises Bella of Ozomatli, the Latin hip-hop fusion band, during one introductory segment. Like much of the day's banter, this statement was in English and Spanish, now the unofficial parlance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
y le decimos "bienvenido a Gustavo"

Zentonic:Drink Them In!

Watch out,Cali...or world, for that matter. Zentonic is here and has been for a solid year.If they are this good in that short amount of time, there is much more for our ears to look forward to (yes,you read right!)
This trio of 22 year old Latinos have the discipline to practice once a week collectively and even more so when an individual state and it shows. They have the smooth ability to handle a wide range of material including covers and their original tracks. They can transition from The Beatles' mesmerizing "Dear Prudence" to Caifanes' always danceable cumbia hit "La Negra Tomasa," proving their bilingual skills.


These easy going young men known as Zentonic, who have proclaimed themselves as "modern classic rock" on their Myspace page, prove their greatness through lead singer and guitarist Danny Chavez's seductive, screeching Plant-esque yells, bassist Ruben Cordova's quirky and appealing grooving feet, adding choreography (as much as can be incorporated in rock music), and Kenneth Lopez's constant rythmic enthusiasm.They present to be exactly what they seem: three good friends jamming out, the difference being that they seems as if they've gotten way over their "garage band" state, in a good sense.

As for Zentonic's original recordings, they have chops as Chavez uses a mean vibrato in "She's Come Undone". Their range is eclectic. They are able to present simple, daily anecdotes of blossoming rockers and their adventures in "Misplaced Soul", to a hypnotizing hippy groove that makes even the un-stoned want to dance on "Golden Lights." Whatever their angle, it's all organic and flowing. But does Zentonic even have an angle? " The only 'benefit' we get is the audience that networks with each other. They are the key element," said Chavez, recognizing that the audience is the one that makes or breaks you, and Zentonic has faithful supporters that will for sure keep increasing.

"We just want to present peace through music," says Cordova.Hence the name. "We want to present a message of enjoyment that will make people happy," adds Lopez.

As the lyrics rightfully suggest in their track "Poor California Tour," Zentonic is "the one that makes you wanna come back 'round."

Babas put their "carismatico" faces on

The band I'd like to describe as "sexy Argentine alt. rock" played the new Club Nokia in the L.A. Live district Thursday night. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see how empty the place was. There was plenty of room on the half circle standing area,so much so that for once you anxiously awaited more bodies so you'd be able to get pressed up onto the stage,(that wish was fulfilled,of course.) The scene was amazing, with the multicolored lights changing every 5-10 seconds, keeping the place full of that "night life" feel. Everything seemed polished and the velvet curtain looming overhead kept true to the theater feel.

Wondering why I haven't gotten to the actual band yet? Because I was luckily so distracted by the landscape during the two opening bands. Do not get me wrong! I give total props to bands doing their thing in the music world as long as their heart is in it but they just were not my cup of tea. Blink 182, Alison, Panda, and Simple Plan fans would have most likely been in awe of...

Let's get to the good stuff.

Once bursting onto the stage after idly standing by through two mediocre hours of Vinilo Versus and the quartet from Colombia,Don Tetto, the crowd was in for a night full of sexual impact brought on by Babasonicos...should I add a retro in there? Every member looked like some type of 60's era icon. The keyboardist, Diegio "Una-T" Tuñon, seemed like a young Phil Spektor/Warhol and was in a whole other galaxy where only the richest musical energy prevails. Drummer Diego "Panza" Castellano was completely involved with the music and kept precise speed through the varying time in each song throughout the entire show, and was eerily similar looking to Robert Downey Jr. with a fro. Mariano "Roger" Domínguez was the typically overly sensual with good looks guitarist that takes groupies backstage,literally. He had a female wait for him...from the crowd! Lead singer Adrian "Dárgelos" Rodriguez was the most open of all. Front and center as a short and flamboyant mop top crooner, he reacted as though he was preforming borderline sexual self-service purely through facial expression that entranced the audience. Team him up with bassist Diego Rodriguez with his Dylan-esque features complete with Elvis Presley stance and groove, and you have got the most modern old school super group. Just do not call it imitation because these men have styles all their own.

Playing tracks spanning from all of their works including "Anoche," "Infame," and "Mucho" albums, the Babas had the crowd engaged with each track. Through actively moving all across the stage, Diego Rodriguez, Adrian, and Dominguez added much to see to go along with their impeccable sound. "Putita," one of the band's more risque tracks,which boasts about why a certain female is so goddess like,had everyone in the crowd show their overwhelming vocal support from the commencing acoustic strumming all the way to the final echoes of the chorus.
"Carismatico," a more bouncy track,was equally revered,especially during the round in the closing lines, which the audience more than happily made possible by each side simultaniously singing "Algunas noches soy facil..."(some nights, I'm easy,) and the other taking"Tengo que aprender a fingir mas..." (I must learn to pretend better.) Babasonicos' song themes range from twenty somethings in heat to young malse lustfully thirsting for fame in a world where he is surely unrecognized. Whichever record it is, one is sure to find something erotic to the ears,(sometimes I even feel slightly unfaithful to my boyfriend listening to them) what with Adrian's milky voice and darker keys,starry-beachy guitar feel at times, and intense (not overwhelming) drums.



I give thanks and praise for this quintet that seemto be the product of a time machine, physically. In depth of content and entertainment, they know exactly what the modern day college aged and above want:sex.If you want to see a band where you're not sure if you should go to confession the next morning, a Babasonicos show is the for you.


*Photos by "...je suis l'art..."