Almas Fronterizas – “S/t” – [Pistolas y Saguaros Records]

Max Level   11/14/2016   12-inch, A Library

Trio playing a potent mix of politically themed California Chicano rock and Native American traditional material. Some tracks bring the raw plugged-in energy of a good garage band, while others take a more elegant approach with a 12-string acoustic guitar. Track 4 on Side 2 is a charging rocker with lyrics in Spanish and an aggressive cumbia beat, and it really works.
A couple of times guitarist/vocalist Gilberto Rodriguez throws in a slide guitar thing as an abstract percussion effect and I’m not crazy about it. Other than that very small thing, though, I’m in. Unfortunately, the record is too short–several of the songs are only a minute or two in length. I hope these guys get a chance to stretch out and produce a full length, more developed album. Until then, check this one out. As a bonus, it’s a very nice pressing on heavyweight vinyl.