Dos

Los Angeles’ pop¬ulation is now more than 50% Mexican. Yet if you follow the mainstream media you would believe that this great music city is home only to Katy Perry, Snoop Dog and countless dire indie rock bands. The excellent Los Lobos have been the only Mexican Angelenos to attract attention – and they broke through almost 30 years ago. Mexicans love music and have one of the strongest traditional music cultures in the Americas: in the US the vast majority of Mexican American musicians earn a living performing for their own community. Los Fabulocos – four veteran Chicanos – look likely to win a broader audience. Their sound remains largely that of norteño, the accordion-powered polka music, yet into this they add Kid Ramos’ tasty electric guitar playing. Songs are sung in English or Spanish and are delivered with a forcefulness that suggests Los Fabulocos are very much in tune with contemporary realities. Strong vocals and dynamic ensemble playing add a real element of urgency to the music and Jesus Cuevas’ soulful vocals demand attention, especially on ‘The Coffee Song’ and ‘Un Puno de Tierra’.

This is an album for both dancing and reflection. A false note is only struck on ‘My Brother’s Keeper’, a laboured slice of blues-rock. Anyone interested in contemporary American music should check out Dos: this is the sound of brown Los Angeles celebrating.