Bam Bam – Bam Bam

Origin: Monterrey, Mexico
Album Release: 2008
Sounds Like: Little Ones, New Pornographers, The Shins

Bam Bam is Mou (guitar), Luxor (percussions), Meme (drums) and Leo (bass). The four of them share the microphone creating one Monterrey´s (Mexico) most interesting and enjoyable proposals. Their blend of indie pop and indie rock with a lo-fi esque texture throughout give Bam Bam a similar taste to that of the Little Ones, The Shins or The New Pornographers.

The band released their debut EP on 2008 under their own independent label Nene Records (other independent bands have signed with them since). Working on a small scale, the band has managed to get recognition amongst local and some international critics (ARTROCKER) which got them invited to the SXSW 08 and 09 editions. More followers immediately fell in love with their dreamy and playful style, and even though many couldn’t understand their witty lyrics, their music served as a perfect translator. Back in Monterrey their local gigs seemed a bit more crowded.

Their first self titled EP is free for download on their label´s webpage (http://www.nenerecords.net/discos/bam-bam-nene-records-2008/). Less than 30 min long, the EP is a bittersweet power pop concentrate which can be easily enjoyed without ever using the pause or next button. The first song on the album, Oro Flash is a strong Breeders style opener with a female leading voice angrily being heard over distorted guitars and sluggish drums. It may throw off a bit from their core identity but in the meantime gets the undivided attention of the listener to be followed by Hi-Q, one of their best and brightest songs. This gives the album a proper introduction and from then on its just Pet Sounds mixed with Cuatro Caminos, a perfect balance between quirky pop and solid inde rock. Por Favor no Vuelvas a Nacer is clear example of the bands bipolar sweet and sour affair with a melodic repetitive riff which evolves into a more psychedelic folksy mood without dropping its innate warmth. The last track Astrobilly which is also the longest (6:00), sounds like from another album. A newer one. It has more of a mature feeling to it composed almost entirely of distorted instrumental parts. It may be where the band is headed, which sounds more than ok.

Bam Bam is just beginning in an international sense. They are talented individuals who like to make their music in a democratic way. Their co admiration for the same role models will help them keep growing as band with a common focus point. They should be wrapping up their new material by now, because like myself, I’m pretty sure there are others patiently waiting for the next step in Bam Bam´s still short but promising road.

8.5/10

Hello Seahorse! - Bestias (Single)

Origin: Mexico City
Album Release: 2009
Similar Artists: Juana Molina, Architecture in Helsinki

Hello Seahorse! is band that originated in the heart of Mexico. Lead singer Denise (Lo Blondo) began the project and later on Oro de Neta (synths, piano, bass) and Bonnz (drums) joined her. The result was a quirky gentle indie pop where Denise´s charming lyrics and look trademarked their own style. In 2006 they launched their first album ...And the Jellyfish Parade under Freaks and Geeks and in 2008 Hoy a las Ocho under Magic Marker. These gave the band international attention (Pitchfork) with positive repercussions.

They are currently working on their new album Bestia, from which the single of the same name is available. A more obscure and thoughtful style is perceived in the first single. Definitely a step forward on their sound where a rich multilayered instrumental background almost dims the inescapable tender voice of Denise swirling nonstop throughout the song.

Bestia the name of the song means beast, but Denise isn’t it; she is the Beast´s victim and this something she leaves pretty clear and is almost palpable on the song: sudden silences interrupted with aggressive instrumental interludes, fading chants of despair and lyrics about weaknesses and one´s transparency through the eyes of the beast. Not very subtle, but what could be expected of an album titled Besta.

Hello Seahorse! is definitely headed on different direction. Their trademark gentle indie pop is still there, but they are evolving. Apparently Denise isn’t all too comfortable with the sweet girl look and wants to work on other levels. Good for her. Bestia should be out any day now, and I can wait to listen to the badass Hello Seahorse! this single is foreshadowing.

7.3/10

Porter - Atemahawke

Origin: Guadalajara, Mexico
Album Release: 2007
Similar Artists: Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Caifanes, Cafe Tacuba

Influenced by some of modern indie rock most texturized and delicate styles, Porter took a chance and used them to sculpt their second album. The result is a multilayered sound, which combines their original style with a blend of new experimental ones. Ranging from indie pop to experimental rock, which will more than please Radiohead and Sigur Ros fans.

Mexican indie rock group Porter released their second album called Atemahawke earlier this year. Following the outline of their very well received previous debut Donde los Ponys Pastan, the group evolved to a more mature and complex sound. Moving from a straight forward indie rock, to a more subtle but broader appealing post rock/experimental style.

Interchanging their influences from Radiohead and Caifanes to Sigur Ros and Mum, its clear how the band tried a different approach, combining indie rock with soft electronic beats and fading echoes throughout the album. The chemistry between past and present styles has peak moments in almost every song, Host of a Ghost being one of the clearer examples.

One of the bands more appealing and bizarre instruments is lead singer Juan Carlos´s voice. Apparently after several singing lessons, Juan used this instrument shamelessly but not in a bad way. His voice delicately intertwines along every song, embracing every instrument, and leading the way to very strange and magical place, like the scenery in a Tim Burton animated film. The song Estocolmo (Stockholm) is perfect example of the band using this resource, which is an instrumental piece composed almost entirely by Juan’s voice. A cello opens with its deep sound which in a very peacefully and gradual manner is wrapped by Juan´s unique and high pitched voice taking it to a climatic end. The song then cools down with the help of acoustic guitars until the main instrument is gradually dimmed back to silence.

Each song has a unique taste to it, so there is more diversity throughout the album, which gives every listen a very dynamic feeling to it. With indie pop style songs like Este Cosmos (This Cosmos) to ambient instrumentals like Ana Paula Viaje 13 (Ana Paula Trip 13) to a groovy neo-psychedelia in Xoloitzcuintle Chicloso (the first word means a rare almost extinct mayan dog, the second is sticky gooey type of candy) will truly please many music lovers who don’t necessarily stick to a specific music style.

The combination of sounds and styles give Porter’s second album enough adherence so it can manage to stick together as a complete well crafted sequel, in which a more personal style was created. After only three years of being together as a band, they are still young, but taking their time and letting themselves into new and more interesting directions. Time and maturity are their best allies.

7.9/10