Lasser Ssounds

Just got back from my (sort of) annual trip to Mexico for the holidays. As usual I had a blast seeing friends, family and getting my fix of tacos de rajas I so desperately needed. But let's get straight to the interesting stuff: yep, the music. Well I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I've never been particularly fond of Mexican pop (by now, my 0.3 readers should have realized that I'm into pop music). This may be related to the fact that I tend to prefer what, to my own ears, sounds unfamiliar or exotic, but it may simply be that the very distinctive elements that constitute the particular flavor of Mexican pop have been (or had been) unappealing to me. Fortunately, things are changing. I was pleasantly surprised by two acts in particular. The first one, Belanova is not the only Mexican synth-pop act but it is the only good one. At their best ('Me Pregunto') they sound like a cross between New Order and St. Etienne (both artists I love). Their latest album 'Dulce Beat' is so-so but I think they have the potential of producing something rather remarkable if they go a little more adventurous in the production department. The second act I want to mention in this entry is Maria Daniela y su Sonido Lasser, a punky high-energy disco beat (electroclash, if one has to pick a label) delivered along with off-key, overly-enthusiastic vocals (the closest thing I've listened to is Peaches, except that the Mexican duo is not nearly as raunchy). Their lyrics manage to be funny, sexy and at times a little disturbing. And, in a way, they sound very Mexican too! They're also one of the most successful new acts from the Nuevos Ricos label (also home of Titan) which I also discovered recently. Check them out if you can!

2/16/2006 Update Belanova - Me pregunto