One of the pioneers of the original rock en español wave in the mid-’90s, Argentina’s Babasónicos has always refused to follow the dictates of music-industry fashion. As a result, the band’s blend of psychedelics, electronica and acoustic folk has steadily cultivated a niche-y but dedicated and unwavering following. Like many Latin American rock bands, Babasónicos filters American and European influences through its own native sounds to emerge with something unique. What makes the band stand out even further, though, is its knack for experimentalism, even though in recent years its music has become more and more accessible and pop-oriented. Babasónicos’ latest release, 2008’s Mucho, was the last one to feature founding bassist Gabriel “Gabo” Manelli, who passed away early last year after battling the Hodgkin’s disease he contracted during the band’s 2003 tour. True to its name, Mucho rocks harder than previous discs, but the group’s dance-floor edge remains unchanged and should be quite evident on its first major U.S. tour in several years.
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2009.