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Launchpad [Issue
#23]
Aterciopelados:
By
Mandana Beigi
Oye
(CD
Nacional)
After nearly five years of silence, the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated Columbian
rockers are back with Oye, their first studio album after Gozo Poderoso (2001).
In the past few years, Andrea Echeverri (vocals, guitars) and Hector Buitrago
(bass, arrangements) were both dedicated to their solo projects, which were well-received
by fans and critiques equally.
Echeverri released her self-titled solo debut in 2005. The album, which was also
produced by band mate Buitrago, reflected a new phase in Echeverri’s life as a
mother - emotional lyrics, simple arrangements, and folky vocals. Buitrago, on
the other hand, took on a different approach for his solo release, Conector, which
was a collage of sound bites and electronic beats. Their latest release, Oye,
represents not only the union of the two founding members, but also a return to
a more organic, rock sound reminiscent of the band’s earlier tunes. Over the past
five years, they have become better musicians, more in sync and more determined
as a duo. “Complemento.” is a modest up-beat love declaration, and something that
they clearly were not going for in Gozo Poderoso! Oye will certainly please those
who were into the rock elements of the band’s music. And lyrically, they are still
very much the socio-politically aware rockers that they were before. They are
proud to demonstrate their opposition to the war in “Cancion Protesta” and their
mockery of mass consumerism in “Don Dinero.” Other favorites on the album include,
“Paces,” “Oye Mujer,” and “Cruz de Sal.” The band was formed in Bogota, Columbia
in the early 90s and rose to fame with their debut album, Con El Corazon en La
Mano, in 1994. Aterciopelados has become one of the major forces in introducing
the Latin alternative sound to the non-Spanish speaking audience. They are now
among the favorites and most played artists on KCRW.
Oye
Nacional
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