Le Butcherettes- bi/MENTAL Tour

2/15/2019

Photo by Lindsey Byrnes.

Mexico-based garage punk band, Le Butcherettes, was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Throughout the years and many changes, the band has finally evolved into the band it is today. One thing for sure is that the band looks and sounds better than ever.

Last week the band released their latest album, "bi/Mental" produced by Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads. Not only does this album showcases a brand new side of the band and their sound, but also Teri GenderBender's vocals and lyrics. This album explores what she consider's "The Other Side" while telling a story based on "familial strive". This story line translates into GenderBender's performance as she has a monologue between songs indicating that the mother does not believe her about what her father is doing to her and she states, "no, no Papito es bueno. El es bueno" in a child-like voice. Clearly contradicting what she told her mother. These very strong and suggestive themes were carried out in Spanish and that really helped the transition between songs as well as carry the show in a story-like manner.

Walking in from the the side door at the Bunkhouse Saloon, came Teri GenderBender with feathers on top while wearing a red coat, red fishnet-tights and red face makeup. Red, her signature color. She was followed in by band members Rikardo Rodríguez-López, Alejandra Robles Luna, and Marfred Rodríguez-López. Teri quickly scanned the crowd and she chanted while commanding attention. As soon as she finished chanting, it is like she transformed and the first notes from "Burn the Scab" began blasting through the speakers.

As soon as the song ended, "spider/WAVES" began and there was no turning back. Not once, did Teri's energy go down. There is nothing like watching this high-energy, badass front woman belt out her song while dancing in a spastic fashion. It's hard to not keep one's eyes off of Teri, but it was great to see the great chemistry between the Rodríguez-López brothers as they played off on the side and remained in sync the whole time. Additionally, Alejandra's drumming was amazing and tied up what every other member was doing.

It was truly mesmerizing. This seventeen-song set almost felt too short! Several times throughout the show, it seemed as though Teri would break into tears between screeching howls and beating her chest. No words can describe her aura and stage antics. Es una chingona. I felt chills when she sang "strong/ENOUGH", and she chanted the words, "my heart is heading out the door, don't need your abuse no more". It really is a powerful anthem especially for anyone who has ever walked away from any type of abuse.

"bi/MENTAL" tour is a must see! I highly recommend for any Butcherettes fans and first-time listeners! It is a thrill from beginning to end. Some tour dates are listed below!