Pistolera

Brooklyn-based Pistolera describes its music as "latin alt-folklórico," and sings entirely en español, but don't let that be a barrier. This quartet is filled with the energy, excitement and attitude that can only come from the border. On debut album Siempre Hay Salida, Pistolera combines ranchera and cumbia with indie rock, so fans of Ruben Ramos, Flaco Jimenez or even the Sir Douglas Quintet won't feel out of place when vocalist/lead guitarist Sandra Lilia Velasquez stomps her boots to drummer Ani Cordero's rimshots on jumping songs from their debut album like "Cazador" or the swinging "Me Gusta Tomar." By the time they finish "Tatuaje," your clothes will be soaked in sweat, the soles of your dancing shoes will be smoking, and you won't care whether they're from Brooklyn or Matamoros as long as they don't let the party end. This band makes a vigorous, moving fiesta wherever the bandstand may be.