Monte Negro
The bilingual Los Angeles band Monte Negro plays an even mix of alternative rock and rock en español. The band began coming together when Mexican-American brothers Kinski Gallo (vocals) and Rodax (bass) formed the punk band Anima, which the L.A. press dubbed "the Latino Red Hot Chili Peppers." After the band broke up, Kinski and Rodax found guitarist Jason Li Shing and drummer Xavier Lopez and formed a new band, Madrepore, in 2003. As the band evolved, the brothers' Mexican heritage began playing a bigger role, so a name change was in order to mark this new sound. They became Monte Negro and released a series of EPs, including Amor Finito, which included "Give Me Love (No Llores)," a song L.A. alt-rock radio station KROQ added to their playlist. In the summer of 2007 they released their debut album, Cicatrix, on the Adrenaline label. In early 2008 it was announced that the band had been signed to the major label Epic. A digital EP titled Who Told You soon followed while their full-length Epic debut was promised for that spring.
After Cicatrix, Monte has released 2 albums independently "Fugitives of Pleasure" and the news a double album "Cosmic Twins"
The veritable magic of Monte Negro is their multicultural sound and unique versatility, making them accessible anywhere in this increasingly interconnected world community. Their music can be both delicate and monstrous all at once, and their ability to communicate through rich soaring melodies and international pop sensibilities is enhanced by vocalist Kinski Gallo's poetical fluency in both English and Spanish. Once again working alongside famed producer Tone (Green Day, Carlos Santana), the Fugitives Of Pleasure / Pasajeros EP challenges the band's own idea of artistic integrity by deeply examining their stylistic range of material and incorporating political themes, odd arrangements and textures, and an overall sense of urgency into the mix. It features a unique presentation that will inevitably appeal to music collectors: 1) an Original Version that will contain 5 magnificent new songs, and 6 additional eclectic instrumental tracks, and an unexpected surprise: "La Negra Tomasa" is a stunning hip-hop reinvention of the Caifanes classic. It is a distinctive example of Monte Negro's haunting aesthetic and their embracement of the cultural mix that all of their forward-thinking fans can appreciate. Loco Por Tu Amor (Tarde o Temprano Se Paga), is an oneiric opus of extinguished love, madness, and despair, but with an alarmingly majestic chorus. It will be accompanied by a music video to be in exclusive release on the influential MTV3.
Monte Negro has just released their latest production, Cosmic Twins, a double album that showcases a totally new sound from the California rockeros and marks their newest reinvention.
No longer blending the likes of reggae and cumbia rhythms as in previous work, Monte Negro now invites fans to embark on a spiritual journey with sounds deriving from various influences of new wave and alternative rock reminiscent of legendary bands like Janes Addiction and The Smashing Pumpkins.
“On this record we didn’t want to repeat ourselves” says lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Kinski Gallo, “It was also very important to us that we write something relevant to our time”.
Cosmic Twins represents something very special to Monte Negro since the entire concept of the album represents our inner duality, in essence our own ying and yang as we experience life.
This production also marks their evolution as artists. In this album they decided to do things in a non conventional manner, taking advantage of being an indie band and drifted away from the pressures of major labels.
“Nowadays you rarely see double albums since major labels expect concepts like these to flop”, explained Kinksi, “But the funny thing is that I’ve actually sold more copies with Cosmic Twins than before”.
This time around Monte Negro wanted to offer something special to their fans by offering something much more personal than a digital download. The days when young music aficionados opened records and actually held vinyl for the most part are over.
“We wanted to keep that essence of music going” says Kinksi in regards to giving fans something tangible, a non-conventionally packaged record that uses no plastic. I guess Cosmic Twins also represents Monte Negro’s call on going Green!Although this album does represent a change for the band, Monte Negro does keep true to their philosophy of writing songs that are truly poetic and carry lyrical substance.
“We want songs with a true essence, songs that actually make people think when they listen to them” says Kinksi.
and indeed they do…
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