One night in the mystical Helinski, Finald, this duo met at a bar and they quickly realized that they were a musical pairing meant to be. Lone Deer Laredo is made up of Paola Suhonen and Olli Happopen. Paola has her own line of  Finnish fashion line, Ivana Helsinki, and Olli has another band called "New Silver Girl", and yet life brought these two together to make this wonderful new project known as "Vol. 1/7". This wonderful album was recorded in Nashville, Tenessee at Alex the Great Studios with the help of a very talented team consisting of Brad Jones, Jim Hoke, and Chris Carmichael who have worked with artists like Dolly Parton and Paul McCartney amongst others. 

I recently got to ask the band a few questions and this is what they had to say:

Desert of My Eye (pao):  First of all, how has 2019 been so far? Looking forward to the summer? 

Lone Deer Laredo: It has been very good to us, thank you! We’re very much looking forward to summer since we’re heading for a roadtrip to compose new music.

D.O.M.E: I read that you guys met at a bar in Helinski and automatically clicked. How was that initial moment and at what exact moment did you guys realize this project HAD to take place? 

L.D.L: It actually happened immediately during the afterparty when Paola was singing to Olli the song called Why Do I Need the Winds (it is on the debut also)... Lone Deer Laredo was born.

D.O.M.E: Do you think that being from Helinksi reflects on your work?

L.D.L: Yeah, I guess it brings in some Finnish and Slavic melancholy. Helsinki is a place where West meets East in harmony, so it is a kind of mixture of dark, odd and endless summer light.

D.O.M.E: How was recording the album in Nashville? Why did you guys decide to record there specifically? That must have been fun. 

LD.L: We heard about the great Brad Jones the producer via a friend and we immediately thought he could be the right producer for us. And it turned out to be a magical time at his studio in Nashville. Such a fantastic person!

D.O.M.E: What inspired Vol. 1/7? Why do you think "dark magic forests"  are so appealing? I see it was one of the ideas/inspirations behind the album. 

L.D.L: We love old trees and the whole mystery behind them. They are endless inspiration for the stories in the songs too since they’ve seen it all: first kisses, love affairs, nightless nights, love and death, everything... all the fundamental elements for Lone Deer Laredo.

D.O.M.E: I loved the video for "Golden Harvest". Simple, yet nostalgic

L.D.L: Thank you so much!

D.O.M.E: How does the video reflect the song? Is it based on an idea or a sentiment?

L.D.L: It is more about sentiment definitely. We rarely prefer strict storytelling in the videos, since it might kill all the poetry from the video. 

D.O.M.E: Anything else you would like to add?

L.D.L: Peace! 


Lone Deer Laredo's new album track list
( Vol. 1/7):
1.Golden Harvest
2. Why Do I Need The Winds
3. Queen Of Revenge
4. True Light Of Mine
5. Mad Marie
6. Stars Stars Lights And Paradise
7. Silver World
8. Make The Sea Freeze In June
9. Summer Of Silk


For more information check out the link below:
​www.ivanahelsinki.com/lone-deer-laredoabout

Sunday night was a swirl of emotions and a medley of different sounds from the Western Hemisphere. Canadian band, July Talk, started the evening on a "rocking beat" and then Zoé brought the Spanish psychedelic indie-rock alongside cool and "trippy" visuals that got the crowd ready for Metric. It was such a great transition of music. Who knew these three bands would be so complementary to each other.

Metric, a Canadian indie-rock band, for those that don't know, began in 1998. About nineteen years and several albums later, Metric still remains one of the most iconic bands of the 2000s. Their latest album,  "Art of Doubt" is a reflection of the band's maturity and skill range. However, the best part of any Metric's music is that it draws in people of all ages and it was clear from the crowd that this vibe was present at the concert.

The stage had several light beams going across. Simple, yet perfectly placed so that there is still a clear view of all the band members and instruments. The drum kit in clear view displayed: "Is This Dystopia". The crowd began to get antsy and finally a little past 9:30, the lights dimmed and one by one the members of Metric came out immediately starting with the song, "Love you back", which happens to be the second song of their latest album. Right off the bat, lead singer, Emily Haines, while in a wide-spread stance in front of the microphone, sang the first few lyrics which immediately commanded the attention of the crowd. Her voice is both strong and soothing at the same time. She does it so effortlessly at the same time. It's truly thrilling! Not only that, but James Shaw, guitarist, is also such a force on stage. It's hard to keep your eyes on just one band member over the other because of the chemistry, stage energy, and talent that they all have.

Right after the first song ended, "Synthetica" began and Emily started jogging from one side of the stage to the other. Not once did the energy go down throughout the show, which is why it's great that Metric has the lights behind them and no distracting visuals because it is not needed. After a few back to back songs, Emily spoke about her meaning regarding the song "Breathing Underwater" in which she sings "Is this my life?". She addressed that the song had a bittersweet undertone to it all while inspiring the audience of some introspection on life.

As the night progressed, songs like "Art of Doubt", "Sick Muse", "Now Or Never Now" were played alongside hits like "Black Sheep" and "Help I'm Alive". The show was absolutely fantastic! Everything sounded amazing and it was honestly such a great venue; the atmosphere was perfect. While the front half of the crowd was up against the rail in front of the stage, the other half in the back was dancing and jamming out. It felt intimate. I recommend that anyone that has the opportunity to go catch a show during this tour to do so. It's a great musical journey. 


Upcoming show dates:
3/11 – Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium
3/13  San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
3/15 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
3/16 Seattle, WA @ The Moore
3/18 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
3/20 Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
3/21 Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
3/22 Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
​3/23 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
3/25 Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore

www.ilovemetric.com

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! 

Upcoming shows:

• Feb. 15, Salt Lake City, UT
• Feb. 16, Denver, CO
• Feb. 18, Kansas City, MO
• Feb. 19, Minneapolis, MN
• Feb. 20, Chicago, IL
• Feb. 22, Toronto, ON
• Feb. 23, Detroit, MI
• Feb. 24, Pittsburgh, PA
• Feb. 26, Allston, MA
• Feb. 27, Brooklyn, NY
• Mar. 1, Philadelphia, PA
• Mar. 2, Washington, DC
• Mar. 4, Atlanta, GA
• Mar. 6, Birmingham, AL
• Mar. 7, New Orleans, LA
• Mar. 8, Houston, TX

​www.lebutcherettesofficial.com

If you are reading this, I invite you to press play on the video below and enjoy the "chill energy" transmitted form Cienfue's music, essence and vibration. Let that "tropical psychedelia" guide you through this wonderful insight on an artist and gem in Panamanian music. 

Cienfue is no stranger to music. He has several albums and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. Cienfue has clearly gone through interesting life experiences. From living in a Panama under military rule to studying at the Berklee College of Music in the United States,  and all that has made for great life experiences that definitely reflect in Cienfue's beautiful music.

He recently released the video for his "Life in the Tropics" single and plans to slowly release the album single by single. The video is full of magnificent colors and symbolism. A few days ago, I asked Cienfue whether it had a deeper meaning to him other than just "tropical psychedelia" and ayahuasca-like influences. I also asked him whether living in Panama has somehow impacted the way he approaches any project, especially this new one.

He answered by saying that, "Panama has influenced me a lot. It is a melting pot. A meeting point. A sancocho where everything mixes: from indigenous to Chinese to Caribbean and so much more." He added that growing up in the 80's under military regime and experiencing early stages of now modern reggeaton has really influenced him. Cienfue also mentioned that "with the video I was trying to transmit the shamanistic rituals in the Amazon. The sacrament of the Ayahuasca. You know, the sacrament used to be a very special. It rids one of "evil spirits. It connects you to the universe." No doubt, he is able to transmit all of that in his music video. 

To follow that up, I asked Cienfue why  he decided to make this album in English, considering that it's his first time doing so. "I grew up bilingual and people didn't really know that. You know what? It would bother me when musicians would try sing English and it did not sound good at all.  However, on this new album I was inspired by surfing. One time I was in Hawaii and I was asked to sing, but I had nothing in English. This was was a catalyst in me wanting to reach more people." Cienfue reiterated the fact that he was inspired by the tribe-like surf culture. Out of that he mentioned that his new album is mostly inspired in surf, nature, and the tropics.

To end the interview, I asked Cienfue who his favorite musicians of the moment were and he mentioned fantastic artists like: Señor Loop, Making Movies and Javier Medina. He actually has a playlist: Panamá Namá! (Link below).

A big thank you to Cienfue, stay tuned for new singles! 
​
​open.spotify.com/user/a1camilo/playlist/032AIfUAwra0aICNQVN1jE

If I could think of any band that will forever be one of the markers of my youth and many others of my generation, it's Allison. I will always cherish 2006 because not only was the rock-scene music fantastic but albums by artists like My Chemical Romance, Outkast, Muse, Allison and many more came out! Two songs that will forever mark that moment in my life is "Frágil" and "Aquí" by Allison. 

Allison is a pop-punk band from Mexico City and is currently composed of Erik (Vocals/Guitar), Fear (Guitar), Alfie (Vocals/Bass), and Diego (Drums). Besides being one of the most iconic punk bands in Mexico and a career spanning 13 years, they are ready to hit the road and do some touring around the United States after a while of not doing so. The best part is that they are coming to El Paso to play at the Lowbrow Palace on February 8th!

The band is excited to promote their latest single "El Juego" from their new album, "Todo Está Encendido". The new album is definitely reflective of the essence and genius that makes Allison such a wonderful band, but it also reflects a certain maturity of the band and them as long-time friends. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Fear, guitarist of Allison, and I asked him how it felt to be back in the U.S and touring. Right away Fear started talking about the album production itself, "everything on this album was made one-hundred percent by us. From the art to the music to everything. We were with Sony Music many years, but now we are a hundred percent hands-on." I think this transition to Nítido Records has allowed Allison to really showcase themselves for who they truly are. 

It definitely reflects in this new stage of their career. "Todo Está Encendido", is Allison's fourth album and after talking to Fear he mentioned that their single "El Juego", "transmits a maturity and learning we have experienced throughout the years." The video for "El Juego" does a great job of reflecting this. "The story behind the video is actually very interesting. We wanted the director to put their vision of our song on it. "El Juego", reflects the game of life and the game we are part of everyday. It's representative of our feelings as well." It's interesting that Fear mentioned that since there is a scene in the video where this boy is blindfolded and pointing a gun at two girls. Although it is left up to interpretation, life can be a roulette as portrayed in that scene and the game of life is one of the hardest ones.

​Not only did Fear talk about the new album, but he talked about his excitement of touring and how he urges everyone to go out to an Allison concert. "The energy is very high and you know, there is nothing like the scream of our fans energizing us and sharing that moment together. What you hear on our albums is only 30% of what Allison really is." He also followed that up with life advice, somewhat on the lines of Carpe Diem: "Los sueños son de las pocas cosas que podemos cumplir."" 

I urge that everyone that can, to go check them out. The nostalgia and energy is going to be through the roof! Also, who doesn't want to have a good time? 

allison.mx