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..."
