Instrumental surf-rock outfit Los Straitjackets releases their latest album, Somos Los Straitjackets, their first new, all-original long player in 13 years.
Guitarist Eddie Angel shares, “The recording process we used this time was different. We got together numerous times at the studio to work up the songs, then we recorded demos to listen back to. Having some time to tweak the songs, and in some cases play them live, really helped when it came time to record.”
Produced by Los Straitjackets and Jake Guralnick, Somos Los Straitjackets was recorded and mixed by Alex Hall, and features Eddie Angel (guitar, bass on “Cry for a Beatle”), Greg Townson (guitar), Chris Sprague (drums, voices, guitar on “Cry for a Beatle”), and Pete Curry (bass, drums on “Cry for a Beatle”), along with Simon Heeran on guitar on “April Showers,” “Virgon,” and “Catalina Farewell,” and Alex Hall (vibes).
Encompassing 15 tracks, entry points include the opening track, “Bumper Car,” with its gleaming layered guitars, tight percussion, and Ventures-like melody – crisp and swaying.
Rippling, elongated tones infuse “Polaris” with dreamy gliding allusions and kaleidoscopic surfaces that ooze spacy combers. “Genesee River Rock” blends surf-rock with hints of Chuck Berry, delivering spellbinding retro rock flavors.
A personal favorite because of its attacking guitars that convey vague tints of Spaghetti Western savors, “High Wire Act” rides a galloping rhythm brimming with cool drum fills.
Talking about the song, guitarist Greg Townson says, “This is one of those lucky moments when a song just writes itself, probably when I was struggling with another song. I put this on my record ‘Beyond The Horizon,’ but thought if I changed the rhythm, it could make a good song for Los Straitjackets.”
The manic voices on “Numbskull” conjure up memories of “Wipe Out,” taking listeners into a sonic world of rollicking pandemonium. On “April Showers,” the band reveals a gentler, more sentimental side – soft, jangly guitars, a sweet melody, and shifting, glittering colors. The motion of the song is beguiling.
Imagine The Beatles covering The Ventures, and you’ll have an idea of what “Cry for a Beatle” sounds like. This track finds the members of Los Straitjackets switching instruments, and pulling it off with aplomb.
Enveloped in a misty, nostalgic aura, “Catalina Farewell” offers a quixotic surf-rock equivalent to George Strait’s “Marina Del Rey,” at once seductive and luxurious. “Bad Apple” channels hints of Red Hot Chili Peppers, along with tangs of funk and edgy, almost discordant, guitars.
A thrumming, propelling reimagined version of The Neanderthals’ “Spinout” delivers a sizzling, incandescent guitar solo that really brings the heat – ‘60s surf-rock at its best.
Somos Los Straitjackets finds Los Straitjackets strutting glistening tremolo, finessed rhythms, and mesmerizing hooks.
Discover more about Los Straitjackets here.
Enjoy our pervious coverage here: Show Review: Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets in Northampton, MA
